Position-Time Graphs
A position-time graph shows how the position of an object changes with time. The slope of the graph gives velocity.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
A horizontal line means position is not changing, so the object is at rest. A straight sloping line means uniform velocity. A steeper slope means greater velocity. A curved line shows changing velocity, which indicates non-uniform motion.
Example
If position increases by 20 m in 10 s on a straight graph, velocity is 2 m/s.
Simple analogy
On a position-time graph, slope speaks.
Common confusion
Students sometimes read height of the graph as speed, but velocity is shown by slope, not by how high the line is.
Exam tip
For graph questions, always look at slope first: flat means rest, straight slope means uniform velocity, changing slope means changing velocity.
Study the position-time graphs diagram carefully
Use the labelled diagram to keep position-time graphs clear in short answers and revision.
What this diagram makes clear
This diagram keeps the labels and direction of position-time graphs in the right order.
Where this helps in exams
Use this for labelled diagram work and short exam answers on position-time graphs.
Revision cue
Revise position-time graphs through the labels before writing the answer.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of position-time graphs in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define position-time graphs and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain position-time graphs, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
Open the concept quiz intro first, review the test details, and then start a focused MCQ set from this concept only. Instant score and answer review are live now.
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