Distance-Time Graphs Basics

IGCSE Edexcel Physics
1.3-1.4 Distance-Time Graphs and Speed
Key Concepts: The gradient of a distance-time graph gives speed. Average speed is $v = d/t$.

Section A: Understanding Graphs

1. Describe what a horizontal line on a distance-time graph means. [2]
2. Describe what a steep line on a distance-time graph means compared to a shallow line. [2]

Section B: Speed Calculations

3. A student walks 120 m in 80 s. Calculate the average speed. [2]
4. A runner covers 400 m in 50 s. Calculate the average speed. [2]
5. A car travels at $12\,m/s$ for 30 s. How far does it travel? [2]

Section C: Graph Practice

6. A jogger travels 360 m in 3 minutes. Calculate the average speed. [2]
7. A distance-time graph shows a straight line from 0 m to 150 m in 50 s. Calculate the speed. [2]
8. A graph line becomes steeper over time. What does this say about the object's speed? [2]
Total marks: 16

Mark Scheme

1. Object is stationary (distance constant) [2]
2. Steeper line means higher speed [2]
3. $v = d/t = 120/80 = 1.5\,m/s$ [2]
4. $v = 400/50 = 8\,m/s$ [2]
5. $d = vt = 12 \times 30 = 360\,m$ [2]
6. $v = d/t = 360/180 = 2\,m/s$ [2]
7. $v = 150/50 = 3\,m/s$ [2]
8. Speed is increasing (accelerating) [2]