Question

part 2 - graphing - distance vs time & speed vs time

1. the slope on a distance vs. time graph tells you an object’s (velocity, acceleration), and the slope on a velocity vs. time graph tells you the (velocity, acceleration) of the object. circle one answer in each pair of parentheses!
2. match the description with the distance vs. time graph.

a. slower, constant speed
b. no movement
c. faster, constant speed
d. deceleration
e. constant speed returning to starting position
f. acceleration

Explanation:

Step1: Recall slope - velocity - acceleration relationship

On a distance - time graph, slope = $\frac{\Delta d}{\Delta t}$, which is velocity. On a velocity - time graph, slope=$\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$, which is acceleration. So for question 9, the answers are velocity and acceleration respectively.

Step2: Analyze distance - time graph features

For question 10:

• A flatter line on a distance - time graph means a slower constant speed (A).
• A horizontal line means no movement (B) as distance does not change with time.
• A steeper line means a faster constant speed (C).
• A line with decreasing slope means deceleration (D).
• A line sloping downwards back to the starting point with a constant slope means constant speed returning to starting position (E).
• A line with increasing slope means acceleration (F).

Answer:

1. velocity; acceleration

10.

1. A. Slower, constant speed
2. C. Faster, constant speed
3. E. Constant speed returning to starting position
4. F. Acceleration
5. D. Deceleration
6. B. No movement
7. A. Slower, constant speed