Distance–time graphsCan you put these items in order
of their top speeds?
April 19, 2023
Formula 1 car
Jet fighter
Human
Laser beam
Snail
Cheetah
Tortoise
Distance–time graphs
Can you put these items in order of their top speeds?
April 19, 2023
Snail 2 mm/s
Tortoise 5 cm/s
Human 12 m/s
Cheetah 34 m/s
Formula 1 car 100 m/s
Jet fighter 700 m/s
Laser beam 300 000 000 m/s
Distance–time graphs• How can a d-t graph show:
– something is stationary?– Moving at a constant speed
• How can we calculate average speed?
April 19, 2023
The Eurostar train runs on the UK’s only high speed rail line. It can reach a maximum speed of 186mph. London to Paris takes 2 hours 15 mins a distance of 211miles.
Looking at graphs
• Which graph shows a stationary object?• Which graph shows an object moving at
constant speed?
Distance
(metres)
Time (sec)
Distance
(metres)
Time (sec)
Looking at graphs
Distance
(metres)
Time (sec)
Distance
(metres)
Time (sec)
• Stationary – no change in distance
• Constant speed – same change in distance every second.
Describe this journey in as much detail as you can.
• What was the speed at A, B and C?• What was the average speed?
Time (sec)
Distance
(metres)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
100
50
0
A
B
C
Speed = distance
time
Measuring speed
Speed = distance ÷ time
Trolley
No. of books
Distance (m)
Time (s) Speed (m/s)
1
2
3
4
5
Books
ramp
Diagram
1. Set up the equipment as shown.
2. Measure and mark a distance down the ramp.
3. Measure the time to roll down the slope.
Summary
• The steeper the line on a distance time graph the greater the speed.
• Speed = distance travelled (m) (m/s) time (s)
Top Related