Distance Time Graph

Distance Time Graph: It is the Graphical Representation of Motion. Graphs are used to represent a relation between two quantities. The value of one quantity is caluculated for different values of the other quantity and is then plotted on the graph. In order to describe the motion of an object, we can use line graphs. In this case, line graphs show dependence of one physical quantity, such as distance or velocity to another quantity, such as time.

Distance and Time Graphs: The distance travelled by the object at equal intervals of time (like every second or every minute), will give a clearer picture of its speed at different points of time. The data of the distance travelled and the time taken can be presented in many ways. One method would be to make a table. The information given in table can also be represented in a graph. This kind of a chart is called a line chart or line graph. It is created by plotting series of data points and connecting them to form a line.

Other commonly used charts are bar graphs and pie charts. They are generally used for representing statistical data

We can get the following points by examining the distance- time graph.

1. The steepness of the slope of the graph gives the speed. If the slope is greater, the speed is greater .

2. The speed is zero if the graph is flat (i.e, parallel to the ‘time’ axis).

If we assume that the vehicle moves at constant speed, i.e, it covers the same distance in equal intervals of time.

Using Motion-Time Graph

On such a linear graph, we generally choose the x-axis as the ‘time axis’ (independent variable) and the y-axis as ‘distance- axis’ (dependent variable)

We plot the distance- time graph be following the steps given below:

1. We choose appropriate scales to represent values of distance and time on the graph. The scale should not be too large or too small.

2. Mark the value for the distance and time on their respective axis, according to the chosen scale.

3. Next mark the points on the graph according to the given set of their values.

4. Join all the points on the graph.

For an object having a uniform motion, the distance – time graph would be a straight line, inclined to the time axis. However, if the speed of the object is changing ( non- uniform motion), the graph can have any shape whatsoever.

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

The velocity of the car whose motion is shwon the distance time graph from B to C
A. 4m/s	B. 3m/s	C. 1m/s	D. 0 m/s
Right Option : D
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Question : 2

The distance time graph of a body is shown indicates
A. The body is moving with constant acceleration		B. The velocity is constant
C. The body starts with some velocity then moves with some different velocity		D. The body starts with constant velocity. The body then accelerates and finally comes to rest
Right Option : D
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