Lesson: Graphing Speed Physics

In this lesson, we will learn how to interpret graphs of distance and time and graphs of speed and time that represent the motion of objects.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

recognize how the horizontal and diagonal lines on a speed–time graph represent the variation in the speed of an object with time,
recognize how the horizontal and diagonal lines on a distance–time graph represent the variation in the speed of an object with time,
recognize how the horizontal and diagonal lines on a speed–time graph represent the variation in the distance traveled by an object with time,
calculate speeds from gradients of distance–time graphs,
calculate distances from areas under the line of speed–time graphs.

Lesson Presentation

Lesson Video

Lesson Explainer

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

The changes in the speeds of three objects during the same time interval are shown in the graph.

Which object has the greatest initial speed?

Which object has the greatest final speed?

Which object has the greatest average speed?

Which object was not moving?

Q2:

The graph shown displays the changes in the distance moved by an object that travels at a constant speed for a time of 8 seconds. The distance axis of the graph has a resolution of 4 meters. Only the values of distance that are integer multiples of 4 are recorded in the table shown.

Time in Seconds	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Distance in Meters	0				20				40

What distance value should be entered in the table for a time value of 2 seconds?

What distance value should be entered in the table for a time value of 3 seconds?

What distance value should be entered in the table for a time value of 6 seconds?

Q3:

The graph shows the changes in the distance walked by a dog in a time interval of 8 seconds.

At what time did the dog change its speed?

Was the dog’s speed higher or lower before the point when its speed changed?

What is the difference between the speed of the dog before and after it changed speed?