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Velocity-Time Graphs

A velocity-time graph shows how velocity changes with time. Its slope gives acceleration, and the area under the graph gives displacement.

Practice This Concept

Main explanation

Teacher explanation

A horizontal line on a velocity-time graph means constant velocity and zero acceleration. A straight sloping line means uniform acceleration. The area between the graph and time axis represents displacement during that time interval.

Example

If velocity is constant at 10 m/s for 5 s, displacement is area = 10 × 5 = 50 m.

Simple analogy

Velocity-time graph: slope for acceleration, area for displacement.

Common confusion

Students often confuse velocity-time graphs with position-time graphs and say a horizontal line means rest. In a velocity-time graph, horizontal line means constant velocity, not necessarily rest.

Exam tip

First identify the graph type. In velocity-time graphs, slope gives acceleration and area gives displacement.

Study the velocity-time graphs diagram carefully

Use the labelled diagram to keep velocity-time graphs clear in short answers and revision.

What this diagram makes clear

This diagram keeps the labels and direction of velocity-time graphs in the right order.

Where this helps in exams

Use this for labelled diagram work and short exam answers on velocity-time graphs.

Revision cue

Revise velocity-time graphs through the labels before writing the answer.

Answer writing and exam use

1-mark use

Write the exact meaning of velocity-time graphs in one clean line.

2-mark use

Define velocity-time graphs and add one example or condition.

3-mark use

Explain velocity-time graphs, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.

MCQ Quiz

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