Distance-Time Graphs

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 \(C\)