Velocity-Time Graphs (Edexcel AS Maths): Revision Note
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Velocity-Time Graphs
What is a velocity-time graph?
Velocity- time graphs show the velocity of an object as it moves in a straight line
They show velocity (on the vertical axis) against time (on the horizontal axis)
Velocity-time graphs can go below the horizontal axis whereas speed-time graphs can not
What are the key features of a velocity-time graph?
The gradient of the graph equals the acceleration of an object
A straight line shows that the object is accelerating at a constant rate
A horizontal line shows that the object is moving at a constant velocity
The area between graph and the x-axis tells us the change in displacement of the object
Graph above the x-axis means the object is moving forwards
Graph below the x-axis means the object is moving backwards
The total displacement of the object from its starting point is the sum of the areas above the x-axis minus the sum of the areas below the x-axis
The total distance travelled by the object is the sum of all the areas
If the graph touches the x-axis then the object is stationary at that time
If the graph is above the x-axis then the object has positive velocity and is travelling forwards
If the graph is below the x-axis then the object has negative velocity and is travelling backwards
Worked Example
The motion of a bird travelling in a straight line is tracked for 60 seconds.
This information is displayed in the velocity-time graph below.
(a) Calculate the acceleration of the bird at 20 seconds.
(b) Calculate the distance travelled in the first 28 seconds.
(c) Calculate the displacement of the bird from its starting point after 60 seconds.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Be careful to spot if you are working with a distance-time graph or a velocity-time graph.
Be careful to spot if you are working with a speed-time graph or a velocity-time graph.
Check where the graph starts from on the y-axis, the velocity does not have to start at 0. For example, the scenario could be a car driving at a constant speed and the driver sees a hazard.
Be extra vigilant when working with negative gradients or with graphs under the x-axis, it is easy to make mistakes with these.
Speed is a scalar so it can not be negative whereas velocity can be.
Make sure your units are consistent.
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