Download Interpreting the Graph

Distance/Time Graphs
 A distance/time graph shows how far an object travels over
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a certain time.
Always pay attention to the titles on the x axis and the y axis
on a graph. Lines have different meanings depending on
the axis labels.
A straight, horizontal line (flat line) indicates an object at
rest.
A straight, diagonal line indicates an object traveling at a
constant speed.
A line curving upward indicates an increase in speed
(acceleration).
A line curving downward indicates a decrease in speed
(acceleration)
Distance (m)
The graph depicts
an object which is
at rest.
Time (sec)
The distance does
not change as time
goes on.
Distance (m)
The graph depicts
an object moving at a
constant speed.
Time (sec)
The straight line
shows that the speed
stays the same over
time.
It is not accelerating.
Distance (m)
Time (sec)
Just like the
previous graph,
this graph depicts
an object moving
at a constant
speed. It is not
slowing down.
Distance (m)
The curve, in the graph,
depicts that the object’s
speed is changing as
time passes.
This is acceleration due
to speeding up.
Time (sec)
The object is covering
more distance in shorter
time.
In the first part of the graph, the
object is moving with constant
speed.
Distance (m)
In the second part of the graph,
the object is at rest (not
moving). It accelerated because
it stopped.
Time (sec)
In the third part, the object is
again moving with constant
speed while returning to its
point of origin. It changed
direction; therefore, it has
velocity and it accelerated.
Velocity (speed)/Time Graphs
 A velocity (speed)/time graph shows the acceleration
of an object. In other words, it shows the change in
velocity over time.
 Always pay attention to the titles on the x axis and
the y axis on a graph. Lines have different meanings
depending on the axis labels.
 Velocity includes a speed and direction.
 Acceleration may be an increase in speed, a decrease
in speed, coming to a stop, or changing direction.
Interpret the Graph Below:
 The graph depicts
Velocity (speed) m/s
an object with a
constant velocity.
 The speed and
Time (sec)
direction stay the
same over time.
Interpret the Graph Below:
 The graph depicts
Velocity (speed) m/s
an object with
constant positive
acceleration.
 The velocity is
Time (sec)
increasing at a
constant rate of
speed.
Interpret the Graph Below:
 The graph depicts
Velocity (speed) m/s
an object with
constant negative
acceleration.
 The velocity is
Time (sec)
decreasing at a
constant rate of
speed.
Interpret the Graph Below:
Velocity (speed) m/s
 The graph depicts
an object with
increasing
acceleration.
Time (sec)
 The velocity is
increasing.