Understanding Motion/Distance-Time Graphs

Front

What is a distance-time graph?

Back

A distance-time graph is a visual representation that shows how the distance traveled by an object changes over time.

Front

What does a positive slope on a distance-time graph indicate?

Back

A positive slope indicates that the object is moving away from the starting position at a constant speed.

Front

What does a negative slope on a distance-time graph indicate?

Back

A negative slope indicates that the object is returning to the starting position.

Front

What does a horizontal line on a distance-time graph represent?

Back

A horizontal line represents that the object is stationary or at rest.

Front

What does an increasing slope on a distance-time graph indicate?

Back

An increasing slope indicates that the object is accelerating or increasing its speed.

Front

What does a decreasing slope on a distance-time graph indicate?

Back

A decreasing slope indicates that the object is decelerating or slowing down.

Front

How can you determine the speed of an object from a distance-time graph?

Back

The speed can be determined by calculating the slope of the line on the graph (rise over run).

Front

What is the significance of the y-axis on a distance-time graph?

Back

The y-axis represents the distance traveled by the object.

Front

What is the significance of the x-axis on a distance-time graph?

Back

The x-axis represents the time elapsed during the motion.

Front

If a graph shows a steep slope, what can be inferred about the speed of the object?

Back

A steep slope indicates that the object is moving at a high speed.