Read the story in a graph
Use graph gradient and area carefully. A curved distance–time graph shows changing speed; a horizontal velocity–time line shows constant velocity; a negative velocity can still have a positive speed.
GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Forces
Motion Graphs, Speed and Acceleration
Use graph gradient and area carefully. A curved distance–time graph shows changing speed; a horizontal velocity–time line shows constant velocity; a negative velocity can still have a positive speed.
Start here
The quick revision snapshot
Use graph gradient and area carefully. A curved distance–time graph shows changing speed; a horizontal velocity–time line shows constant velocity; a negative velocity can still have a positive speed.
By the end, you should be able to…
- Explain read the story in a graph using precise physics language.
- Apply the relevant equations, diagrams or practical method to an exam-style situation.
- Use the mini quizzes and practice answers to identify and correct a misconception.
Core learning content
Learn the idea before you practise it
Start with this short teaching sequence for Motion Graphs, Speed and Acceleration. Read the model, use the visual, then test your recall before moving into examples and exam practice.
Build the picture
Use the graph labels before choosing a rule. Distance-time gradient is speed; velocity-time gradient is acceleration; area under a velocity-time graph is displacement. A horizontal velocity-time line means constant velocity, while a line crossing zero shows a change of direction.
Use the right relationship
Choose a relationship because of the physical change in the question, not because it is familiar. Weight: W = mg (N, kg, N/kg). Newton’s second law: F = ma (N, kg, m/s²). Momentum: p = mv (kg m/s). Keep the unit next to each value while you substitute.
What a strong answer does
Name the axis quantities, describe the gradient or area and translate it into a sentence about motion. Before writing, underline the command word and identify the information that matters. Keep a calculation as equation, substitution and answer with unit; keep an explanation as a linked chain using because, so or therefore. Finish by checking that the final sentence answers the exact context in the question and that the number, direction or conclusion agrees with the evidence given.
Retrieval practice
Quick checks
Answer without looking back first. The feedback explains the model, so a wrong answer still helps you learn.
Mini quiz 1
Check the core idea
Mini quiz 2
Apply the model
Mini quiz 3
Use exam precision
Try it
Motion graph reader
What do gradient and area tell you about motion?
What to notice: the readout and written explanation remain available if you do not use the controls.
Worked examples
See the method being built
Cover the answer, attempt the method and then compare your physics language as well as the number.
Example 1 · Distance-time gradient
A runner travels 150 m in 30 s at constant speed. Find graph gradient.
- Use speed = distance ÷ time.
- Calculate 150 ÷ 30.
- Give m/s.
Show the answer
Gradient = 5.0 m/s.
Example 2 · Velocity-time acceleration
Velocity changes from 4.0 m/s to 16 m/s in 6.0 s. Find acceleration.
- Use change in velocity ÷ time.
- Calculate (16 − 4) ÷ 6.
- Give m/s².
Show the answer
Acceleration = 2.0 m/s².
Example 3 · Velocity-time area
A vehicle travels at 8.0 m/s for 5.0 s. Find displacement.
- Area is rectangle under graph.
- Multiply velocity by time.
- Give metres.
Show the answer
Displacement = 40 m.
Misconception clinic
Common wrong turns
Each of these is tempting because it sounds almost right. Replace it with the precise physics before you meet it in a question.
- Using area under a distance-time graph.
- Calling a horizontal velocity-time graph stationary.
- Ignoring negative velocity direction.
Independent practice
Exam-style questions
Use the working space first. Reveal the guidance only after you have committed to an answer, then improve the exact part that would gain the next mark.
1. State what the gradient of a distance-time graph represents.
[1 mark]Show answer and marking guidance
Speed.
2. State what the gradient of a velocity-time graph represents.
[1 mark]Show answer and marking guidance
Acceleration.
3. State what area under a velocity-time graph represents.
[1 mark]Show answer and marking guidance
Displacement.
4. A distance-time graph is horizontal. Describe motion.
[2 marks]Show answer and marking guidance
The object is stationary; distance is not changing.
5. A velocity-time line crosses zero. What does this show?
[2 marks]Show answer and marking guidance
The object changes direction.
6. A car increases velocity from 0 to 20 m/s in 10 s. Calculate acceleration.
[2 marks]Show answer and marking guidance
a = 20 ÷ 10 = 2.0 m/s².
Questions pupils ask
GCSE Physics FAQs
What is the key idea in Motion Graphs, Speed and Acceleration?
Forces questions often hide a simple model inside a diagram. Draw the forces, find the resultant, then connect the resultant to the motion or deformation.
How should I practise Motion Graphs, Speed and Acceleration?
Read the snapshot, attempt the worked examples without looking, complete the mini quizzes and then use the practice questions to check your wording and method.
Next step
Keep your revision moving
Physics sticks when you move between explanation, retrieval and application.