GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Speed from Distance-Time Graphs

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Forces Forces and motion

Speed from Distance-Time Graphs

4:16 Using Speed
Spec 4.5.6.1.4
Previous Distance-Time Graphs Next Stopping Distance Calculations
  • Determine object speed by calculating the gradient of a distance-time graph.
  • Distance-time graph shows how distance changes over time.
  • X-axis represents time; Y-axis represents total distance traveled.
  • Steeper graph indicates faster object speed.
  • Speed calculation involves dividing change in distance (Y values) by change in time (X values).
  • Gradient of the graph equals speed.
  • Exam questions may require calculating speed from a graph without explaining the gradient-speed relationship.
  • Practice technique with example: calculate highest speed from a distance-time graph.
  • Step 1: Identify steepest part of the graph for fastest speed.
  • Step 2: Choose two suitable, easy-to-read, far-apart points on the graph.
  • Step 3: Calculate difference between two distances.
  • Step 4: Calculate difference between two times.
  • Step 5: Divide difference in distance by difference in time to find speed.
  • Example calculation: 2 km difference in distance, 0.2 hours difference in time, resulting in 10 km/h speed.
  • Ensure units match the question requirements (e.g., kilometers per hour).

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