3.4.1.3
Displacement-time graphs: $gradient = velocity$
Motion Along a Straight Line — AQA A-Level Physics
- A straight diagonal $line = constant velocityThe rate of change of displacement. A vector quantity. Measured in m s⁻¹.$.
- A horizontal $line = object$ at rest (zero velocityThe rate of change of displacement. A vector quantity. Measured in m s⁻¹.).
- A $curve = changing velocityThe rate of change of displacement. A vector quantity. Measured in m s⁻¹. (accelerationThe rate of change of velocity. A vector quantity. Measured in m s⁻².$ or deceleration).
- Positive $gradient = motion$ in the positive direction. Negative $gradient = motion$ in the negative direction.
- The y-intercept gives the initial displacementThe distance moved in a particular direction from a starting point. A vector quantity. Measured in metres (m)..
- The area under a displacementThe distance moved in a particular direction from a starting point. A vector quantity. Measured in metres (m).-time graph has no physical meaning.