Kinematics and forces
Lesson 9 of 10
Motion graphs
Objective. Interpret displacement–time and velocity–time graphs.
The key idea
On a displacement–time graph the gradient is velocity. On a velocity–time graph the gradient is acceleration and the area beneath is displacement.
Worked example
A velocity–time graph is a triangle: 0 to 10 m/s over 6 s. Distance?
- 1Area of triangle = ½ × base × height.
- 2½ × 6 × 10 = 30.
Answer: 30 m
Practice
Each question comes with a picture and a listen button. Try it first, then reveal the answer.
Common mistake. Reading the area of a displacement–time graph as if it meant something.
Your progress
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