Interpreting the Graph

Distance/Time GraphsA distance/time graph shows how far an object

travels over a certain time.Always pay attention to the titles on the x axis

and the y axis on a graph. Lines have different meanings depending on the axis labels.

A straight, horizontal line (flat line) indicates an object at rest.

A straight, diagonal line indicates an object traveling at a constant speed.

A line curving upward indicates an increase in speed (acceleration).

A line curving downward indicates a decrease in speed (acceleration)

Interpret the Graph Below:

The graph depicts an object which is at rest.

The distance does not change as time goes on.

Dis

tan

ce

(m)

Time (sec)

Interpret the Graph Below:The graph depictsan object moving at a constant speed.

The straight line shows that the speed stays the same over time.

It is not accelerating.

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ce

(m)

Time (sec)

Interpret the Graph Below:

Just like the previous graph, this graph depicts an object moving at a constant speed. It is not slowing down.

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(m)

Time (sec)

Interpret the Graph Below:The curve, in the graph, depicts that the object’s speed is changing as time passes.

This is acceleration due to speeding up.

The object is covering more distance in shorter time.

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tan

ce

(m)

Time (sec)

Interpret the Graph Below:In the first part of the graph, the object is moving with constant speed.

In the second part of the graph, the object is at rest (not moving). It accelerated because it stopped.

In the third part, the object is again moving with constant speed while returning to its point of origin. It changed direction; therefore, it has velocity and it accelerated.

Dis

tan

ce (

m)

Time (sec)

Velocity (speed)/Time GraphsA velocity (speed)/time graph shows the

acceleration of an object. In other words, it shows the change in velocity over time.

Always pay attention to the titles on the x axis and the y axis on a graph. Lines have different meanings depending on the axis labels.

Velocity includes a speed and direction.Acceleration may be an increase in speed, a

decrease in speed, coming to a stop, or changing direction.

Interpret the Graph Below:The graph

depicts an object with a constant velocity.

The speed and direction stay the same over time.

Velo

city

(sp

eed

) m

/s

Time (sec)

Interpret the Graph Below:The graph

depicts an object with constant positive acceleration.

The velocity is increasing at a constant rate of speed.

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(sp

eed

) m

/s

Time (sec)

Interpret the Graph Below:The graph

depicts an object with constant negative acceleration.

The velocity is decreasing at a constant rate of speed.

Velo

city

(sp

eed

) m

/s

Time (sec)

Interpret the Graph Below:

The graph depicts an object with increasing acceleration.

The velocity is increasing.

Velo

city

(sp

eed

) m

/s

Time (sec)