Distance-Time Graphs

 

7.1  Distance-Time Graphs 
 
  • Speed is a rate which involves distance ad time. 
  • The relationship between speed and time can be represented by a distance-time graph.
  • A distance-time graph enables the motion of an object to be represented in the graphic form which is easy to be understood 
 
  In a distance-time graph   
     
   
     
 
  • the vertical axis represents the distance 
 
     
 
  • the horizontal axis represents the time
 
     
 
  • the gradient of the graph represents the rate of change in distance with respect to time, that is speed
 
 
A distance-time graph can be drawn if the following information regarding the motion is obtained 
 
  • Distance-time table 
 
  • Equation that represents the relationship between distance and time 
 
  Example   
     
   
     
  Diagram shows a motion from \(O\) to \(C\) for a distance in kilometres in a period of \(T\), hours.   
     
     
 

\(OA\)

  • positive gradient of graph 
  • gradient of \(OA\) represents speed of motion 
  • motion at a uniform speed
  • motion for a distance (kilometres) in a period of time, hours 
 
     
 

\(AB\)

  • zero gradient 
  • no change in distance in a period of time 
  • stationary for the period of times
 
     
 

\(BC\)

  • positive gradient 
  • motion continues to \(C\)
 
 

 

Distance-Time Graphs

 

7.1  Distance-Time Graphs 
 
  • Speed is a rate which involves distance ad time. 
  • The relationship between speed and time can be represented by a distance-time graph.
  • A distance-time graph enables the motion of an object to be represented in the graphic form which is easy to be understood 
 
  In a distance-time graph   
     
   
     
 
  • the vertical axis represents the distance 
 
     
 
  • the horizontal axis represents the time
 
     
 
  • the gradient of the graph represents the rate of change in distance with respect to time, that is speed
 
 
A distance-time graph can be drawn if the following information regarding the motion is obtained 
 
  • Distance-time table 
 
  • Equation that represents the relationship between distance and time 
 
  Example   
     
   
     
  Diagram shows a motion from \(O\) to \(C\) for a distance in kilometres in a period of \(T\), hours.   
     
     
 

\(OA\)

  • positive gradient of graph 
  • gradient of \(OA\) represents speed of motion 
  • motion at a uniform speed
  • motion for a distance (kilometres) in a period of time, hours 
 
     
 

\(AB\)

  • zero gradient 
  • no change in distance in a period of time 
  • stationary for the period of times
 
     
 

\(BC\)

  • positive gradient 
  • motion continues to \(C\)