Student activityName Class Date

Distance–time graphs

Specification reference:

  • P1.6.1.4 The distance–time relationship

Aims

In this activity you will apply your knowledge and understanding of
distance–time graphs. The follow up activity allows you to practise calculations using the gradient of a graph.

Learning outcomes

After completing this activity, you should be able to:

  • understand thatthe steeper the slope on a distance–time graph,
    the greater the speed
  • describe the motion of an object from looking at the distance–time graph
  • know the gradient of a distance–time graph equals the speed
  • calculate the gradient of a distance–time graph.

Setting the scene

You can use a distance–time graph to work out how far and how fast an object
is moving. The gradient of a distance–time graph is equal to the speed.

Task

Look at the following distance–time graph. Work in pairs to act out the graph by walking, stopping, or running, along a straight line to match the pattern of the graph.

Hint: it might be easier if you mark key points on the floor with chalk or masking tape and your partner uses a stopwatch to direct your movements.

Student follow up

Look at the following distance–time graph of a motorbike and then answer the questions. The sudden changes of speed on this graph are not realistic.

1This question is about regions on the graph that show the motorbike at rest.

For how long is the motorbike at rest during the journey?

(1)

2This question is about the distance travelled by the motorbike.

aWhat distance has the motorbike travelled in the first 25 seconds?

(1)

bWhat distance does the motorbike travel between 60 and 80 seconds?

(1)

3This question is about the speed of the motorbike.

aWork out the speed of the motorbike during the first 10 seconds.
Show your calculations.

(2)

bBetween what times did the motorbike travel at the lowest speed
(not including the time it was at rest)?

(1)

Give a reason for your answer.

(1)

cWork out the speed of the motorbike during this time.
Show your calculations.

(3)

dWork out the speed of the motorbike between 60 and 80 seconds. Show your calculations.

(2)

eBetween 80 and 90 seconds, the biker starts to travel at a constant speed of 20 m/s. Using this information, complete the graph for the motorbike.

(2)

© Oxford University Press 2016

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