Final answer:
A distance vs. time graph represents how distance changes over time for an object in motion. It can show if the object is moving at a constant speed, not moving, or moving backwards. Straight lines with positive, horizontal, or negative slopes correspond to different types of motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When representing motion using a distance vs. time graph, the distance is plotted on the y-axis and time is plotted on the x-axis. The graph will show how the distance changes over time. For example, if an object is moving at a constant speed, the distance vs. time graph will be a straight line with a positive slope. If the object is not moving, the graph will be a horizontal line at zero distance. If the object is moving backwards, the graph will be a line with a negative slope.
For instance, imagine a car traveling at a constant speed of 60 kilometers per hour. After 1 hour, the car will have traveled 60 kilometers, so the point (1, 60) will be plotted on the graph. After 2 hours, the car will have traveled 120 kilometers, so the point (2, 120) will be plotted. Connecting these points will create a straight line on the graph.
The primary topic of this question is distance vs. time graphs for representing motion.