Distance-time graph
Key Notes :
1. What is a Distance-Time Graph?
- A distance-time graph is a graphical representation showing how the distance of an object changes over time.
- The x-axis represents time, and the y-axis represents distance from the starting point.
2. Reading a Distance-Time Graph:
- The graph shows the motion of an object over time.
- The slope of the graph (the steepness of the line) tells us about the speed of the object.
- A steeper line indicates faster motion, while a flatter line indicates slower motion.
- A horizontal line indicates that the object is stationary (no movement).
3. Types of Motion on a Distance-Time Graph:
- Constant Speed:
- A straight, diagonal line represents constant speed.
- The steeper the line, the greater the speed.
- At Rest (Stationary):
- A horizontal line represents no change in distance, meaning the object is stationary.
- Increasing Speed (Acceleration):
- A curved line that gets steeper as time passes shows that the object is accelerating.
- Decreasing Speed (Deceleration):
- A curved line that flattens as time passes shows that the object is slowing down.
4. Key Features of the Graph:
- Origin (0,0): The starting point where the object begins its motion (0 distance, 0 time).
- Slope: The slope of the line represents the speed of the object.
- Time: Always represented on the x-axis.
- Distance: Always represented on the y-axis.
5. Example:
- A car starts from rest and accelerates for 10 minutes, covering a distance of 50 meters. The graph will show a curve that starts flat (stationary), then rises steeply (acceleration), and levels off once the car reaches constant speed.
6. Calculating Speed:
- The speed of an object can be calculated from the slope of the distance-time graph using the formula:
- The steeper the line, the higher the speed.
7. Practical Applications:
- Distance-time graphs are used in real life to analyze the motion of vehicles, athletes, or even moving objects in experiments.
Let’s practice!
