A distance-time graph, also known as a displacement-time graph, represents the relationship between distance (or displacement) and time. It is a visual tool used to illustrate the motion of an object over a specific time interval, offering insights into speed, direction, and the nature of the object's movement.
A distance-time graph is a graphical representation of an object's motion, displaying how its position changes concerning time. Typically, the horizontal axis represents time (in seconds, for example), while the vertical axis represents distance or displacement (in meters).
In such a graph, a straight line with a positive slope indicates constant speed, with the slope representing the speed of the object. A steeper slope implies a higher speed. If the line slopes downward, it signifies motion in the opposite direction or a return to the starting point. A curve on the graph may indicate changes in speed or direction.
By analyzing the shape and slope of the distance-time graph, one can derive valuable information about the object's motion, including its speed, direction, and periods of rest or changes in velocity. This visual representation is particularly useful in physics and kinematics to understand the dynamic aspects of an object's movement through time.