Velocity- Time Graphs (Also seen in GCSE Physics 2)

A B C

Graph A shows that the velocity stays at 4m/s, it is moving with constant velocity.

Graph B shows that the velocity increases by the same amount each second, it is accelerating by the same amount each second (uniform acceleration).

Graph C shows that the velocity increases by a larger amount each second, the acceleration is increasing (non-uniform acceleration).

Since and y = velocity and x = time

area = base x height area = time x velocity area = displacement

This graph show the velocity decreasing in one direction and increasing in the opposite direction.

If we decide that is negative and is positive then the graph tells us:

The object is initially travels at 5 m/s

It slows down by 1m/s every second

After 5 seconds the object has stopped

It then begins to move

It gains 1m/s every second until it is travelling at 5m/s