DISTANCE-TIME &

SPEED-TIME
GRAPHS
 OBJECTIVES
Describe what speed–time and distance–time graphs represent

Interpret key features of motion from the graphs

Identify uniform motion, increasing speed, decreasing speed, and rest

Calculate speed, velocity, and distance from graphs

2 Time can be measured in grams.

3 A steep line on a graph means slow speed.

4 Distance is how far something travels.

5 All points on a graph must be joined using straight lines.

F Time can be measured in grams.

F A steep line on a graph means slow speed.

T Distance is how far something travels.

F All points on a graph must be joined using straight lines.

The units for speed are metres per second.

For example:

If an object moves 8 metres in 4 seconds:

Speed = 8 ÷ 4 = 2 m/s
Distance-
Time Graphs
stationary
A distance–time graph shows how
far something has travelled over

distance
time. return to start

The shape of the graph tells a story constant speed

time
 We draw a triangle under the slope to
Distance- show the gradient.

Time Graphs
You can also use a distance–time
graph to compare speeds.

distance
A gradient shows how steep the line gradient
is. This is equal to the speed.

time
 Speed = change in distance (m) ÷ change
Distance- in time(s) in metres per second (m/s).

Time Graphs

change in
distance

change in
time
 Example
11
The object travels 5 metres in 2.5 seconds. 10
9
Calculate the objects speed: 8
7

distance
6
5
4
3
2
1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

time
 Example
11
The object travels 5 metres in 2.5 seconds. 10
9
Calculate the objects speed:
8

Speed = distance ÷ time 7

distance
6
5
4
Change in distance = 5 metres 3
2
Change in time = 2.5 seconds 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Speed = 5 ÷ 2.5 = 2 m/s time

Speed
against time. Decreasing
Increasing Speed
Speed
They can also be referred to as
velocity-time graphs.

time
Speed-Time
Graphs
You can also use a speed–time
graph to calculate displacement.

Speed
Displacement is determined by
calculating the area under the
graph. Area under graph

time
 Example
11
The graph shows how the speed of an object 10
9
changes over time. 8
7
From 0 to 4 seconds, the object increases

Speed
6
5
speed from 0 to 10 m/s. 4
3
From 4 to 7 seconds, it travels at a constant 2
1
speed of 10 m/s.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

time
 Example
11
To calculate the total distance travelled, we find 10
9
the area under the graph: 8
7

Speed
6
5
4
3
2
1 Area 1 Area 2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

time
 Example
11
To calculate the total distance travelled, we find 10
9
the area under the graph: 8
7
Area 1 (triangle) = ½ × base × height

Speed
6
5
= ½ × 4 × 10 = 20 m 4
3
Area 2 (rectangle) = base × height 2
1 Area 1 Area 2
= 3 × 10 = 30 m
Total distance = 20 + 30 = 50 metres 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

time