# Distance-time graphs

If an object moves along a straight line, the distance travelled can be represented by a distance-time graph.

In a distance-time graph, the gradient of the line is equal to the speed of the object. The greater the gradient (and the steeper the line) the faster the object is moving.

### Example

Calculate the speed of the object represented by the green line in the graph, from 0 to 4 s.

change in distance = (8 - 0) = 8 m

change in time = (4 - 0) = 4 s

$speed = \frac{distance}{time}$

$speed = 8 \div 4$

$speed = 2~m/s$

Question

Calculate the speed of the object represented by the purple line in the graph.

change in distance = (10 - 0) = 10 m

change in time = (2 - 0) = 2 s

$speed = \frac{distance}{time}$

$speed = 10 \div 2$

$speed = 5~m/s$

The of an object can be calculated from the of a distance-time graph.

## Distance-time graphs for accelerating objects - Higher

If the speed of an object changes, it will be or . This can be shown as a curved line on a distance-time graph.

The table shows what each section of the graph represents:

AIncreasingIncreasing
BConstantConstant
CDecreasingDecreasing
DZeroStationary (at rest)

If an object is accelerating or decelerating, its speed can be calculated at any particular time by:

• drawing a to the curve at that time
• measuring the gradient of the tangent

As the diagram shows, after drawing the tangent, work out the change in distance (A) and the change in time (B).

$gradient = \frac{vertical~change (A)}{horizontal~change (B)}$

It should also be noted that an object moving at a constant speed but changing direction continually is also accelerating. , a vector quantity, changes if either the magnitude or the direction changes. This is important when dealing with circular motion.