The big idea: A velocity–time (v–t) graph shows how fast something is moving at each moment.
You read just two things off it:
- the slope of the line → the acceleration - the area under the line → the displacement (how far it travelled)
Animated graph
Watch the graph build step by step in study mode.
Free preview
This is the free notes preview
You're reading the free notes. Aimnova Pro unlocks the full study experience — and you can try it with your first topic free to keep:
- FlashcardsLock in vocabulary and key terms with spaced repetition.
- Practice questionsAnswer exam-style questions and get instant AI marking.
- Mock exams & past-paper vaultSit full mocks and see exactly how examiners award marks.
- Personalised study planA daily plan built around your exam date and weak areas.
How steep the line is tells you the acceleration. A steeper line → faster change in velocity. A flat (horizontal) line → no acceleration.
Animated graph
Watch the graph build step by step in study mode.
On the velocity–time graph above the velocity rises from u = 4.0 m s⁻¹ to v = 20 m s⁻¹ over t = 8.0 s. Find the acceleration.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Learn what examiners really want
See exactly what to write to score full marks. Our AI shows you model answers and the key phrases examiners look for.
The area between the line and the time-axis tells you the displacement — how far it went. For a straight line that area is just a triangle or trapezium.
Animated graph
Watch the graph build step by step in study mode.
Using the same graph (u = 4.0 m s⁻¹, v = 20 m s⁻¹, t = 8.0 s), find how far the object travels.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
A falling line means slowing down: If the line slopes down, the slope is negative → the object is decelerating.
If the line dips below the time-axis, that area is negative → the object is moving backwards.
Never wonder what to study next
Get a personalized daily plan based on your exam date, progress, and weak areas. We'll tell you exactly what to review each day.
Where it shows up: Motion graphs appear in every paper:
- Paper 1A (multiple choice) — read a slope or an area in one step. - Paper 1B (data) — plot points and find a gradient. - Paper 2 — _determine_ the acceleration / distance, or _sketch_ / _describe_ the motion.
Three easy marks: (1) Say which rule you're using (slope or area). (2) Keep the unit on every line. (3) Watch the sign.
A car travelling at 24 m s⁻¹ brakes uniformly and stops in 6.0 s. (a) Find its acceleration. (b) Find the braking distance.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.