What is a Distance-Time Graph?
A distance-time graph represents how far an object has moved over a period of time. It's used in physics to visually describe motion.
Axes:
X-axis (horizontal): Time (usually in seconds, minutes, etc.)
Y-axis (vertical): Distance (usually in meters, kilometers, etc.)
Types of lines and what they mean:
Straight upward diagonal line
Distance increases evenly with time.
Object is moving at a constant speed.
2 . Horizontal line
Distance stays the same even as time passes.
Object is stationary (not moving).
3 . teep line
Indicates the object is moving fast (covering more distance in less time).
4 . Gentle slope
Indicates the object is moving slowly.
5 . Curved line upward
Speed is increasing (acceleration).
6 . Curved line leveling off
Speed is decreasing (deceleration).
Why it’s useful:
Helps visualize motion
Makes it easy to compare speeds
Can be used to calculate speed (slope of the line = speed)