Summary
Travel graphs are used to solve problems involving distance–time and speed–time graphs by interpreting data to understand movement over time.
- Travel Graph — a graph showing the distance travelled from a set point against time. Example: A graph showing James's cycling distance from home over time.
- Distance–Time Graph — a graph where the gradient indicates speed. Example: A straight line on this graph shows constant speed.
- Speed–Time Graph — a graph where the gradient indicates acceleration and the area under the graph represents distance. Example: The area under the line in a speed-time graph shows the total distance travelled.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Travel Graph
- Distance–Time Graph
- Speed–Time Graph
Common Confusions
- Confusing the gradient of a distance-time graph with acceleration
- Misinterpreting the area under a speed-time graph as speed instead of distance
Typical Exam Questions
- What is James’s speed for the first 60 minutes? Use the formula speed = distance/time to calculate.
- Calculate the total distance of a train journey using a speed-time graph? Find the area under the graph to determine the distance.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to interpret and analyze travel graphs
- Understanding of how to calculate speed, distance, and acceleration using graphs