Distance-Time Graphs — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Distance-Time Graphs for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Velocity-Time GraphsWhat is Distance-Time Graphs?
A distance-time graph plots the distance an object has travelled against time. The gradient (steepness) of the line represents the object's speed. A horizontal line means the object is stationary, a straight, sloping line indicates constant speed, and a curved line shows that the speed is changing (acceleration or deceleration).
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). Interpreting these graphs is a key skill, including calculating speed from the gradient.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
A distance-time graph shows that an object travels 30 metres in 10 seconds at a constant speed. What is its speed? Solution: The speed is the gradient of the graph. Speed = Distance / Time = 30m / 10s = 3 m/s.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing a distance-time graph with a velocity-time graph. The interpretation of the gradient and the shape of the lines are different.
- 2Thinking a horizontal line means the object is moving at a constant speed. On a distance-time graph, it means the distance is not changing, so the object is stationary.
- 3Calculating the gradient incorrectly. Gradient is the change in the vertical axis (distance) divided by the change in the horizontal axis (time).
Distance-Time Graphs exam questions
Exam-style questions for Distance-Time Graphs with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Distance-Time Graphs
Core concept
A distance-time graph plots the distance an object has travelled against time. The gradient (steepness) of the line represents the object's speed. A horizontal line means the object is stationary, a s…
Frequently asked questions
What does a curved line on a distance-time graph mean?
A curved line indicates that the speed is changing. If the gradient is increasing (the line is getting steeper), the object is accelerating. If the gradient is decreasing (the line is getting flatter), the object is decelerating.
How do you find the speed of an object at a specific point on a curved distance-time graph?
To find the instantaneous speed at a point on a curve, you need to draw a tangent to the curve at that point and then calculate the gradient of the tangent.