Key learning points

1. A velocity-time graph shows how velocity changes with time.
2. Acceleration is equal to the gradient of a velocity-time graph.
3. A falling line shows decreasing velocity called deceleration, which is a negative acceleration.
4. The gradient of the line gives the instantaneous acceleration.
5. The distance travelled is equal to the area under a velocity-time graph.

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