Year 9 Science · Unit 4 · Lesson 14

Speed-Time Graphs and Acceleration

Foundation Worksheet

Name
Date
Class

Learning Goals

Match each speed-time graph feature to its description

Draw a line connecting each graph feature on the left to its correct description on the right. Or write the matching letter next to each feature.

Speed-time graph featureYour answerWhat it describes
Rising straight lineA. Distance travelled — the area under the graph
Horizontal flat lineB. Deceleration — slowing down at a steady rate
Falling straight lineC. Constant speed — zero acceleration
Steeply rising lineD. Acceleration — speeding up at a steady rate
Area under the lineE. Large acceleration — speed increases quickly

True or False? Fix the false ones

Circle T or F for each statement. If the statement is false, rewrite it correctly on the line below.

The gradient of a speed-time graph equals the distance travelled.

Correct it:

T
F

A horizontal line on a speed-time graph means the object is stationary.

Correct it:

T
F

Deceleration appears as a falling line on a speed-time graph.

Correct it:

T
F

Acceleration is measured in units of m/s (metres per second).

Correct it:

T
F

1. A car is travelling at 60 km/h on a highway. Its speed-time graph shows a horizontal flat line. What is the car's acceleration? Explain your reasoning.

Recall 2 marks

2. Describe how you could find the distance travelled during a journey using only a speed-time graph. What part of the graph do you need to look at?

Recall 2 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?