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Kinematics and forces
Lesson 9 of 10
Standard practice

Motion graphs

Objective. Interpret displacement–time and velocity–time graphs.

  1. 1. Learn
  2. 2. Worked example
  3. 3. Practice
  4. 4. Feedback
  5. 5. Continue

Learn: 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?

Diagram of a triangle
  1. 1Area of triangle = ½ × base × height.
  2. 2½ × 6 × 10 = 30.

Answer: 30 m

Concept mastery

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Practice

Practice happens on its own screen, one question at a time. Answers stay hidden until you submit yours, and you can stop and pick up at the same question later.

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Common mistake. Reading the area of a displacement–time graph as if it meant something.

Your progress

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