1.2 plot and interpret distance-time graphs

1.2 plot and interpret distance-time graphs

Distance: The change of position of an object is called distance. The diagram shows an example:

Diplacement: The change of position of an object in a particular direction is called displacement.

This shows another object changes its position from C to D through curved path but the displacement will be straight distance from C to D.

A distance-time graph represents the speed or velocity of any object. In this graph the object is moving at 1 m per second. It is in a constant speed. In a distance-time graph, distance should go to the Y-axis while time should go over the X-axis.

Speed= gradient=distance/time = 3m/3s= 1m/s

Few points that should be noted

1. In a displacement – time graph or distance- time graph, the average velocity is found by the ratio (△s)/(△t) where △s = change in displacement/distance and △t=time interval
2. A positive gradient of the displacement-time graph indicates that the car is moving in the same direction as the displacement.
3. A negative gradient of the displacement-time graph indicates that the car is moving in the opposite direction to the displacement.
4. A zero gradient of the displacement-time curve shows that the car is stationery.

Some explanation of motion from graph: