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7 Jul 2025
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Fun with Distance-Time Graphs: Learn Speed and Velocity for Class 9 and GCSE
G
goodness
@gvvdness
Velocity and Acceleration
This section delves deeper into the concepts of velocity and acceleration.
Definition: Velocity is an object's speed in a given direction. It is a vector quantity.
Students should be able to explain the distinction between vector and scalar quantities as they apply to displacement, distance, velocity, and speed.
Example: An object moving in a circle has constant speed but changing velocity, as the direction is constantly changing.
The concept of acceleration is introduced:
Definition: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time.
The equation for acceleration is:
a = Δv / t
where a is acceleration in meters per second squared , Δv is change in velocity in meters per second , and t is time in seconds .
Highlight: An object that slows down is decelerating.
Students should be able to estimate the magnitude of everyday accelerations.
Velocity-Time Graphs and Further Calculations
This section covers the interpretation and use of velocity-time graphs.
The acceleration of an object can be calculated from the gradient of a velocity-time graph. The distance traveled can be calculated from the area under a velocity-time graph.
Students should be able to:
- Draw velocity-time graphs from measurements
- Interpret lines and slopes to determine acceleration
- Interpret enclosed areas in velocity-time graphs to determine distance traveled
- Measure the area under a velocity-time graph by counting squares when appropriate
An important equation for uniform acceleration is introduced:
v² - u² = 2as
where v is final velocity , u is initial velocity , a is acceleration , and s is distance .
Highlight: Near Earth's surface, any object falling freely under gravity has an acceleration of about 9.8 m/s².
The concept of terminal velocity is briefly mentioned, where an object falling through a fluid eventually reaches a constant speed due to the balance of forces.
Distance, Displacement, Speed and Velocity
This section introduces fundamental concepts in motion and kinematics.
Definition: Distance is how far an object moves, while displacement includes both distance and direction in a straight line.
Highlight: Speed is a scalar quantity , while velocity is a vector quantity .
Students should be able to express displacement in terms of both distance and direction, and calculate ratios between them. The speed of a moving object is not always constant. Factors like terrain and age can affect how fast a person walks, runs or cycles.
Example: If you travel 5m north and then 5m south, your displacement is 0m but your total distance traveled is 10m.
Vocabulary: Scalar quantities have only magnitude, while vector quantities have both magnitude and direction.
Typical speeds for various modes of transportation are provided:
- Walking: 1.5 m/s
- Running: 3 m/s
- Cycling: 6 m/s
- Car: 25 m/s
- Train: 30 m/s
- Plane: 250 m/s
The speed of sound in air is typically around 330 m/s, but can vary based on atmospheric conditions.
Distance-Time Graphs and Speed Calculations
This section focuses on representing motion graphically and calculating speed.
Definition: A distance-time graph represents the distance traveled by an object over time.
The speed of an object can be calculated from the gradient of its distance-time graph. For non-uniform motion, students should be able to calculate average speed.
Highlight: For accelerating objects, instantaneous speed can be determined by drawing a tangent to the distance-time graph at a specific point and measuring its gradient.
Students should be able to:
- Draw distance-time graphs from measurements
- Interpret lines and slopes of distance-time graphs
- Translate information between graphical and numerical form
- Determine speed from a distance-time graph
The fundamental equation relating distance, speed, and time is:
distance = speed × time
or in symbolic form:
d = v × t
where d is distance in meters , v is speed in meters per second , and t is time in seconds .
We thought you’d never ask...
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Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Fun with Distance-Time Graphs: Learn Speed and Velocity for Class 9 and GCSE
G
goodness
@gvvdness
Calculating speed using distance-time graphs is a key skill in physics. This guide covers the difference between speed and velocity vector scalar quantities, as well as typical values for walking running cycling speeds. Distance, displacement, speed and velocity are... Show more
Velocity and Acceleration
This section delves deeper into the concepts of velocity and acceleration.
Definition: Velocity is an object's speed in a given direction. It is a vector quantity.
Students should be able to explain the distinction between vector and scalar quantities as they apply to displacement, distance, velocity, and speed.
Example: An object moving in a circle has constant speed but changing velocity, as the direction is constantly changing.
The concept of acceleration is introduced:
Definition: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time.
The equation for acceleration is:
a = Δv / t
where a is acceleration in meters per second squared , Δv is change in velocity in meters per second , and t is time in seconds .
Highlight: An object that slows down is decelerating.
Students should be able to estimate the magnitude of everyday accelerations.
Velocity-Time Graphs and Further Calculations
This section covers the interpretation and use of velocity-time graphs.
The acceleration of an object can be calculated from the gradient of a velocity-time graph. The distance traveled can be calculated from the area under a velocity-time graph.
Students should be able to:
- Draw velocity-time graphs from measurements
- Interpret lines and slopes to determine acceleration
- Interpret enclosed areas in velocity-time graphs to determine distance traveled
- Measure the area under a velocity-time graph by counting squares when appropriate
An important equation for uniform acceleration is introduced:
v² - u² = 2as
where v is final velocity , u is initial velocity , a is acceleration , and s is distance .
Highlight: Near Earth's surface, any object falling freely under gravity has an acceleration of about 9.8 m/s².
The concept of terminal velocity is briefly mentioned, where an object falling through a fluid eventually reaches a constant speed due to the balance of forces.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Distance, Displacement, Speed and Velocity
This section introduces fundamental concepts in motion and kinematics.
Definition: Distance is how far an object moves, while displacement includes both distance and direction in a straight line.
Highlight: Speed is a scalar quantity , while velocity is a vector quantity .
Students should be able to express displacement in terms of both distance and direction, and calculate ratios between them. The speed of a moving object is not always constant. Factors like terrain and age can affect how fast a person walks, runs or cycles.
Example: If you travel 5m north and then 5m south, your displacement is 0m but your total distance traveled is 10m.
Vocabulary: Scalar quantities have only magnitude, while vector quantities have both magnitude and direction.
Typical speeds for various modes of transportation are provided:
- Walking: 1.5 m/s
- Running: 3 m/s
- Cycling: 6 m/s
- Car: 25 m/s
- Train: 30 m/s
- Plane: 250 m/s
The speed of sound in air is typically around 330 m/s, but can vary based on atmospheric conditions.
Distance-Time Graphs and Speed Calculations
This section focuses on representing motion graphically and calculating speed.
Definition: A distance-time graph represents the distance traveled by an object over time.
The speed of an object can be calculated from the gradient of its distance-time graph. For non-uniform motion, students should be able to calculate average speed.
Highlight: For accelerating objects, instantaneous speed can be determined by drawing a tangent to the distance-time graph at a specific point and measuring its gradient.
Students should be able to:
- Draw distance-time graphs from measurements
- Interpret lines and slopes of distance-time graphs
- Translate information between graphical and numerical form
- Determine speed from a distance-time graph
The fundamental equation relating distance, speed, and time is:
distance = speed × time
or in symbolic form:
d = v × t
where d is distance in meters , v is speed in meters per second , and t is time in seconds .
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user