Calculating from velocity-time graphs (a=(v-u)/t)
I can read information from velocity-time graphs and calculate acceleration.
Calculating from velocity-time graphs (a=(v-u)/t)
I can read information from velocity-time graphs and calculate acceleration.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A velocity-time graph shows how velocity changes with time.
- Acceleration is equal to the gradient of a velocity-time graph.
- A falling line shows decreasing velocity called deceleration, which is a negative acceleration.
Keywords
Displacement-time graph - A displacement-time graph shows the displacement of an object over a period of time.
Velocity-time graph - A velocity-time graph shows the velocity of an object over a period of time.
Acceleration - The acceleration of an object is the rate of change of velocity. This is how much the velocity changes per second.
Deceleration - Deceleration is used to describe a change in velocity where the object slows down.
Common misconception
Pupils often consider time in the acceleration equation to be moment in time (perhaps read from a graph) rather than a change in time.
Label the value of t in the acceleration as a change of time rather than just time.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
displacement–time graph -
this shows the displacement of an object over a period of time
velocity-time graph -
this shows the velocity of an object over a period of time
acceleration -
the rate of change of velocity
deceleration -
used to describe an object which is slowing down
