In this topic of IBDP Physics, we will learn about speed, distance and time.
The equation
In IBDP Physics, When an object moves in a straight line at a steady speed, you can calculate its speed if you know how far it travels and how long it takes. This equation shows the relationship between speed, distance travelled and time taken:
- For example, a car travels 300 metres in 20 seconds.
- Its speed is 300 ÷ 20 = 15m/s.
Distance-time graphs
In IBDP Physics, you should be able to draw and explain distance-time graphs for objects moving at steady speeds or standing still.
Background information
The vertical axis of a distance-time graph is the distance travelled from the start. The horizontal axis is the time from the start.
Features of the graph
When an object is stationary, the line on the graph is horizontal. When an object is moving at a steady speed, the line on the graph is straight, but sloped.
The diagram shows some typical lines on a distance-time graph.
In IBDP Physics, note that the steeper the line, the greater the speed of the object. The blue line is steeper than the red because it represents an object moving faster than the one represented by the red line.
The red lines on the graph represent a typical journey where an object returns to the start again. Notice that the line representing the return journey slopes downwards.
Velocity-time graphs
In IBDP Physics, you should be able to explain velocity-time graphs for objects moving with a constant velocity or constant acceleration.
Background information
The velocity of an object is its speed in a particular direction. This means that two cars travelling at the same speed, but in opposite directions, have different velocities.
The vertical axis of a velocity-time graph is the velocity of the object. The horizontal axis is the time from the start.
Features of the graph
In IBDP Physics, when an object is moving with a constant velocity, the line on the graph is horizontal. When an object is moving with a constant acceleration, the line on the graph is straight, but sloped. The diagram shows some typical lines on a velocity-time graph.
The steeper the line, the greater the acceleration of the object. The blue line is steeper than the red line because it represents an object with a greater acceleration.
Notice that a line sloping downwards - with a negative gradient - represents an object with a constant deceleration - slowing down.
This is the end of this topic.
