Motion graphs and constant-acceleration equations
The equations of motion describe the same changes shown by the gradient and area of a velocity–time graph. A straight sloping line represents constant acceleration.
Follow the reasoning
- Find initial and final velocity on the graph.
- Use its gradient for acceleration and its signed area for displacement.
- Compare the result with a constant-acceleration equation.
Try it in a past paper 6
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 1
Find train deceleration and stopping distance, then evaluate the motion model.
Question 14
Choose the velocity–time graph for an object falling freely from rest.
Question 1
Use a car’s velocity–time graph to find braking force, distance and work.
Question 1
Use a bouncing ball’s velocity graph to calculate energy, rebound speed and height.
Show 2 more paper references
Question 10
Use a velocity–time graph to distinguish thinking distance from stopping distance.
Question 1
Interpret constant deceleration and stopping distance on a car’s velocity–time graph.
A curated collection checked against the question papers and mark schemes; not a complete past-paper catalogue. Links open official OCR PDFs in a new tab.
Put the ideas to work
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Specification outcomes (3)
- 3.1.1(c) Use displacement–time graphs to determine velocity as the gradient.
- 3.1.1(d) Use velocity–time graphs to determine acceleration as the gradient and displacement as the area under the graph, including estimation for non-linear graphs.
- 3.1.2(a)(i) Apply equations of motion for constant acceleration in a straight line, including motion in a uniform gravitational field without air resistance.