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First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Motion Graphs (CIE A Level Physics)

Revision Note

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Motion graphs

  • There are five types of graph that can represent motion 

Distance-time graphs

  • On a distance-time graph…
    • slope equals speed
    • the y-intercept equals the initial position
    • a straight (diagonal) line represents a constant speed
    • a curved line represents an acceleration
    • a positive slope represents motion in the positive direction
    • a negative slope represents motion in the negative direction
    • a zero slope (horizontal line) represents a state of rest
    • the area under the curve is meaningless

Displacement-time graphs

  • On a displacement-time graph…
    • slope equals velocity
    • the y-intercept equals the initial position
    • a straight (diagonal) line represents a constant velocity
    • a curved line represents an acceleration
    • a positive slope represents motion in the positive direction
    • a negative slope represents motion in the negative direction
    • a zero slope (horizontal line) represents a state of rest
    • the area under the curve is meaningless

Displacement-time graphs for different scenarios

Motion graphs (1), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The displacement-time graph for constant velocity is a straight diagonal line, and for acceleration is a curve

Speed-time graphs

  • On a speed-time graph…
    • slope equals acceleration
    • the y-intercept equals the initial speed
    • a straight line represents uniform acceleration
    • a curved line represents non-uniform acceleration
    • a positive slope represents an increase in speed in the positive direction
    • a negative slope represents an increase in speed in the negative direction
    • a zero slope (horizontal line) represents motion with constant speed
    • the area under the curve equals the distance travelled

Velocity-time graphs

  • On a velocity-time graph…
    • slope equals acceleration
    • the y-intercept equals the initial velocity
    • a straight line represents uniform acceleration
    • a curved line represents non-uniform acceleration
    • a positive slope represents an increase in velocity in the positive direction
    • a negative slope represents an increase in velocity in the negative direction
    • a zero slope (horizontal line) represents motion with constant velocity
    • the area under the curve equals the displacement 

Velocity-time graphs for different scenarios

Motion graphs (2), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The velocity-time graph for constant velocity is a straight horizontal line, for acceleration is a straight diagonal line and for increasing acceleration is a curve

Acceleration-time graphs

  • On an acceleration-time graph…
    • slope is meaningless
    • the y-intercept equals the initial acceleration
    • a zero slope (horizontal line) represents an object undergoing constant acceleration
    • the area under the curve equals the change in velocity

Acceleration-time graph for different scenarios

Motion graphs (3), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The acceleration-time graph for constant velocity is blank, for increasing velocity is a straight horizontal line and for increasing acceleration is a straight diagonal line

Examiner Tip

Always check the axes when dealing with graphs. The differences between distance-time graphs and displacement-time graphs, and speed-time graphs and velocity-time graphs are subtle but important. Make sure you know what you are looking at before answering any graph questions in the exam.

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.