Free GCSE Physics lesson: Motion Graphs
Aplailasain by Static Carnival

Free Lessons -> GCSE / Key Stage 4 -> Physics -> Motion Graphs

Lesson 14 · GCSE / Key Stage 4 · Physics

Distance-time and velocity-time graphs

Read motion graphs, calculate gradients and use area under velocity-time graphs.

Qualification: GCSE Subject: Physics Graphs

Forces

Lesson overview

This lesson introduces the core physics idea, the useful equipment and the calculation or data skills used on this page.

FocusDistance-time and velocity-time graphs
Time45-60 minutes
EquipmentRuler, calculator and graph paper.
Practical linkNo separate practical method focus
Maths tagsM1 substitution with units, M2 rearranging/equations, M4 graph gradients

What you will learn

  • Interpret horizontal and sloping sections on distance-time graphs.
  • Calculate speed from the gradient of a distance-time graph.
  • Interpret acceleration from a velocity-time graph.
  • Calculate distance from the area under a velocity-time graph.

Graph descriptions supplied on this page

Use the journey and trolley graph descriptions to practise gradient, area and motion language.

Distance-time and velocity-time graphs infographic

Infographic explaining GCSE Physics distance-time and velocity-time graphs, including gradient as speed, flat lines as stopped, steeper lines as faster speed, velocity-time gradient as acceleration and area under the graph as distance.
Use this visual to compare distance-time and velocity-time graphs, gradients and area under the line.Download visual

Clear explanation

On a distance-time graph, gradient represents speed. A steeper line means a greater speed; a horizontal line means stationary.

On a velocity-time graph, gradient represents acceleration. The area under the graph represents distance travelled.

Graph questions reward method: mark two clear points for gradient and split areas into rectangles and triangles when needed.

Key graph

Distance-time graph gradient A straight distance-time graph rises from zero metres at zero seconds to forty metres at eight seconds, so the gradient is speed. time / s distance / m 8 s 40 m gradient = speed
Graph: speed is found from change in distance divided by change in time.
Velocity-time graph area A velocity-time graph has a horizontal line at twelve metres per second from zero to five seconds, making a rectangle whose area represents distance. time / s velocity / m/s area = distance 12 m/s 5 s
Graph: area under a velocity-time graph gives distance travelled.

Worked examples

Distance from a velocity-time graph

A car travels at 12 m/s for 5 s.

distance = area under velocity-time graph

area = 12 x 5 = 60

Answer: The car travels 60 m.

Quick checks

Choose an answer, then check your thinking.

1. What does the gradient of a distance-time graph represent?

2. What does the area under a velocity-time graph represent?

Practice questions

Question 1

A distance-time graph rises from 0 m to 40 m in 8 s. Calculate speed.

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: 5 m/s.

Marking: Credit gradient = 40 ÷ 8 = 5 m/s.

Question 2

A velocity-time graph is horizontal at 6 m/s for 10 s. Calculate distance.

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: 60 m.

Marking: Credit area = 6 x 10 = 60 m.

Question 3

A velocity changes from 2 m/s to 14 m/s in 6 s. Calculate acceleration.

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: 2 m/s².

Marking: Credit gradient = change in velocity ÷ time = 12 ÷ 6 = 2 m/s².

Question 4

What does a horizontal line on a distance-time graph mean?

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: The object is stationary.

Marking: Credit distance not changing as time passes.

Practice ladder

FluencyRecall the key definition, unit, equation or model before using the lesson questions.
ApplicationApply distance-time and velocity-time graphs to an unfamiliar device, practical setup or data description.
Practical interpretationUse evidence, graph features, uncertainty, method quality or conclusion wording where the question asks you to evaluate.
Maths skillM1 substitution with units

Answers and marking guidance

The exact practice answers are hidden under each question so you can try first. For this lesson, marks come from using the correct physics model, choosing the right equation where needed, keeping units with values, and explaining changes with precise words such as transfer, resultant force, acceleration, evidence and uncertainty.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing distance-time and velocity-time gradients.
  • Using the whole graph as one shape when it needs splitting.
  • Calling a flat distance-time graph constant speed.
  • Forgetting graph units.

Extension challenge

Sketch a velocity-time graph with acceleration, steady speed and deceleration, then calculate a possible total distance.

Reveal answer

Example answer: A strong extension response names the physics model, uses accurate units and explains why the evidence supports the conclusion.

Exam-board guidance

Short board notes only. Learn the core physics above first.

AQA GCSE Physics

AQA GCSE Physics: often rewards clear physics explanations, correct equations, units and practical evidence for distance-time and velocity-time graphs.

OCR GCSE Physics

OCR GCSE Physics: often values precise definitions, clear working, graph interpretation and links between models and evidence.

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics: often combines the concept with equation use, data handling and practical interpretation.

Eduqas GCSE Physics

Eduqas GCSE Physics: learn the core explanation and practise applying it to unfamiliar contexts, data and practical questions.

WJEC Wales

WJEC Wales: often expects accurate terms, units and evidence-based explanations using the shared physics idea.

CCEA GCSE Physics

CCEA GCSE Physics: connect the idea to your current unit and use the same practical method language your class uses.

Next lesson

Next, continue with Newton's Laws and Resultant Forces.

Previous lesson: Heating CalculationsBack to GCSE Physics lessonsNext lesson: Newton's Laws and Resultant Forces