All About Distance-Time Graph
Distance-time graphs show how far an object has travelled in a designated period of time. The graph shows distance versus time and is made up of a simple line graph.
1. On the Y-axis, the distance is plotted.
2. On the X-axis, time is plotted.
Distance-time graphs show the speed of a vehicle changing along curved lines.
The Importance of Distance - Time Graphs
In studying the motion of bodies, we deal with distance-time graphs. A distance-time graph representing the motion of a body is obtained when we plot the data for distance and time for a body on a rectangular graph.
Distance vs. Time Definition
During the study of distance-time graphs, the three most critical components are time, speed, and distance. The vertical Y-axis of a graphical representation is the vertical time axis, while the horizontal X-axis is the horizontal distance axis. Then, once the axes are determined, it is easy to plot the values on the graph.
As the distance versus time graph shows, we can see the different variations of the body's movement. For instance, when a graph plots as a straight line, this indicates that the body is moving at a fixed (or constant) speed.
Time Distance Graph Worksheet.
To help students gain a better understanding of the topic, we have compiled some worked-out mathematical problems.
Consider the following graph that shows Ralph's entire journey. Here are the results.
He covered a total distance.
He remained stationary for a period of time.
He travelled at an average speed of 17:15 to 17:45 (kilometers per hour).
By looking at the axis, it appears that Ralph first travelled 25 km, rested, and then returned home. Therefore, the total distance he travelled was 25km + 25km = 50 km.
Ralph was in the station for one box's duration, which is clear from the graph. Additionally, from the axis, it is clear that two boxes total equal 15 minutes. The time spent stationary would be 15/2 = 7.5 minutes.
First, you must estimate the gradient of the graph from 17:15 to 17:45 (30 minutes or 0.5 hours) to calculate the average speed between the points. As you can see, he increased his speed by five kilometers until he reached 25 kilometers. In total, he traveled 20 kilometers. Since the gradient is 20/0.5, his speed is 40 km/h.
E-learning platforms like Vedantu can help you learn more about distance time graphs. It is easy to learn such topics without any hassle if you have expert suggestions, mock exam question papers, and lucid explanations. Additionally, live classes and question-and-answer sessions with experts will help you to better prepare for your final exam.
FAQs on Distance Time Graph
1. How would you describe a distance-time graph?
A distance-time graph can be used to represent the distance traveled by an object moving along a straight line. Gradients of lines on a graph of distance and time correspond to the speed of the object. In general, the steeper the gradient (and the faster the object is moving), the greater its speed.
2. What does the slope of a distance time graph indicate?
Speed is indicated by the slope of the distance-time graph. A body's speed is determined by the slope of a distance-time graph, so the steeper the slope, the greater the speed.
3. What types of distance time graphs are there?
As a result of distance and time graphs, an object can be shown how far it has travelled. Three basic types of graph exist: Bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs.
4. How Do Straight Lines on a Distance-Time Graph Work?
Objects which move with constant speed appear as straight lines on a distance-time graph. An object that is stationary and not moving can also be considered as a constant-speed body.
As every moving object is "expanding" in length with time, this graph generally does not have a sloping line. In the case of an object returning to its beginning, however, it might have one. Various lines indicate different speeds and motions on the distance time graph. In order to understand the concepts, students must be familiar with other variations as well as what a straight line implies.
5. Describe the motion of a body using a distance-time graph?
A distance-time graph illustrates how much distance a person covers at a particular moment. An example is a graph showing a straight line in uniform motion, whereas a gradient indicates fast motion.
As with any other graph, time is plotted along the X-axis, and distance is plotted along the Y-axis. These graphs can be used to calculate the speed and velocity of bodies. A body's total distance is displayed in the area below the graph. The following graph gives students an easy way to explain the following units without involving complicated calculations.
