GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Acceleration from Velocity-Time Graphs

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Forces Forces and motion

Acceleration from Velocity-Time Graphs

3:51 Velocity-Time Graphs
Spec 4.5.6.1.5
Previous Terminal Velocity-Time Graphs Next Counting Squares Estimation
  • Acceleration of an object can be determined by calculating the gradient of its velocity-time graph.
  • A velocity-time graph represents an object's motion, with the Y value as velocity and the X value as time.
  • Calculating the gradient involves finding the difference in Y values (change in velocity) and dividing by the difference in X values (time taken).
  • The gradient of a velocity-time graph is equal to the object's acceleration.
  • For exams, remember to calculate the gradient to find acceleration from a velocity-time graph.
  • Be careful not to confuse gradients of distance-time graphs with velocity-time graphs.
  • Example: Calculate acceleration of a sprinter from a velocity-time graph during the first five seconds of a race.
  • Step 1: Choose two suitable points on the graph that are easy to read and far apart.
  • Example points: (3 m/s, 1 s) and (10.5 m/s, 3.5 s).
  • Step 2: Find the difference in velocities (10.5 - 3 = 7.5 m/s).
  • Step 3: Find the difference in times (3.5 - 1 = 2.5 s).
  • Step 4: Divide the difference in velocity by the difference in time (7.5 / 2.5 = 3 m/s��).
  • The acceleration is 3 meters per second squared.
  • Units of acceleration are derived from the units of velocity and time on the graph labels.

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