Speed-Time graphs

WHAT – We are learning how to identify shapes of

speed-time graphs and how to use them in calculating
quantities.
WHY – So that we can appreciate the differences
between motion graphs.
HOW – Watching a video clip to collect data and
sketch a speed-time graph. Using speed-time graphs
to help us calculate distances travelled.
 Speed-Time graphs

What does this

tell us about an
object‘s motion?

Speed
(m/s)

Time (s)

The object’s speed is getting faster and faster every second.

When speed is increasing we say it is accelerating.
We measure acceleration in m/s2.
The steeper the gradient, the bigger the acceleration.
As the line is straight, it is a constant acceleration.
 Speed-Time graphs

What does this

tell us about an
object‘s motion?

Speed
(m/s)

Time (s)

The object’s speed is not changing as time progresses.

A horizontal line above 0m/s is a constant speed.
 Speed-Time graphs

What does this

tell us about an
object‘s motion?

Speed
(m/s)

Time (s)

This horizontal line is at 0m/s speed.

The object is not moving. It is stationary.
 Speed-Time graphs

What does this

tell us about an
object‘s motion?

Speed
(m/s)

Time (s)

The object’s speed is getting slower and slower every second.

When speed is decreasing we say it is decelerating.
We measure deceleration in m/s2 just like acceleration.
The steeper the gradient, the bigger the deceleration.
As the line is straight, it is a constant deceleration.
 Speed-Time graphs

What does this

tell us about an
object‘s motion?

Speed
(m/s)

Time (s)

Between A-B : Stationary

Between B-C : Large constant acceleration
Between C-D : Constant speed
Between D-E : Small constant acceleration [compared to between B-C]
Between E-F : Large constant deceleration
 Speed-Time graphs

What else can we

get from a
speed-time
graph?
Speed Distance
(m/s)
Height
Travelled !

Base
Time (s)

We can calculate how far an object has

travelled by working out the area under the
graph. Distance is measured in metres (m).
In the above example, the area under the
graph is a triangle. Area = ½ x Base x Height
 Speed-Time graphs

How would you

find the distance
travelled in this
case?
Speed
(m/s)

width

length

Time (s)

The object is moving with a constant speed.

The area under this graph would be a rectangle.

Area = length x width

 Speed-Time graphs

Now practice what you have learned

from the previous slides.
 Speed-Time graphs
Speed (m/s) Another one I prepared earlier!

Area = 2.7 m
Area = 5.4 m Area = 10.8 m

Time (s)

Total distance travelled = Total area under the graph

Total distance travelled = 5.4 + 10.8 + 2.7

Total distance travelled = 18.9 m

 Speed-Time graphs
There are two types of motion graphs, and three
types of motion. Best represented in a table.

Distance/Time Speed/Time
D S
Get a board pen and
Stopped

draw on each motion

t t graph what you think
the graph shape should
Constant

look like.
Speed

D S

t t How did you do?

Acceleration
Constant

D S

t t
Gradient = Speed Gradient = Acceleration
Area = Distance travelled