Velocity-time graphs
2 marks · EasyExplain how you could use a velocity–time graph of a car to find its acceleration.
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Find the gradient (slope) of the straight line on the velocity–time graph; this gives the acceleration.
Also accept: Calculate acceleration by dividing the change in velocity by the time interval
Common mistakes: Calculating area under the graph; Calculating average velocity
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that acceleration is found from the gradient (slope) of the graph
B1 · 1 mark · Mentions finding the gradient by dividing the change in velocity by the time interval
Worked solution
To find acceleration from a velocity–time graph, find the gradient of the line. This is done by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time.