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Analyzing speed–time graphs

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Calculating acceleration from the gradient
How can the acceleration of an object be calculated from a
speed–time graph?
This gradient of the line in a speed–time
graph represents acceleration
speed

time speed time

 If the gradient goes
up, the object has a
positive acceleration.
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 If the gradient goes
down, the object has a
negative acceleration,
or deceleration.
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 What’s the acceleration?
What is the acceleration of the object between points
A and B?

35
 the object’s speed has
30 increased by 20 m/s
B
speed (m/s)

25 (25 - 5)
20
15  it took 4 s to change
speed (6 - 2)
10
A
5  acceleration = speed/time
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 = 20/4
time (s) = 5 m/s2

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Calculating acceleration from graphs

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The area under a speed–time graph

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DIY speed–time graph

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 Glossary (1/2)

 acceleration – A measure of how an object’s velocity

changes over time. It usually refers to an object that is
speeding up.

 braking distance – The distance it takes for a vehicle to

stop once its brakes have been applied.

 deceleration – Negative acceleration, i.e. slowing down.

 non-uniform – Speed or acceleration that is constantly

changing.

 speed – A measure of how far an object moves in a given

time.

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 Glossary (2/2)

 stopping distance – The total distance it takes for a

vehicle to stop, i.e. thinking distance plus braking distance.

 thinking distance – The distance it takes for a driver to

react to a situation and apply the brakes.

 uniform – Speed or acceleration that is constant and

unchanging.

 velocity – A measure of the speed and direction of a

moving object.

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What does the graph show?

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What does the graph show?

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