The image shows a
speed-time graph with four distinct regions labeled A, B, C, and D. The x-axis represents time in seconds (s), and the y-axis represents speed in meters per second (m/s). We are likely being asked to analyze motion based on this graph—common tasks include calculating
distance traveled,
acceleration, or
displacement.
Let’s go step by step to interpret and solve what is typically expected from such a graph.
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🔍 Step 1: Understand the Graph
-
Speed-Time Graph: The area under the curve gives the
distance traveled.
- The
slope of the graph gives
acceleration:
- Positive slope → acceleration
- Zero slope → constant speed
- Negative slope → deceleration
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📊 Break Down Each Segment
####
Segment A (0 to 10 s)
- Speed increases from 0 m/s to 15 m/s
- This is
uniform acceleration
- Shape: Right triangle
Acceleration = change in speed / time
= (15 - 0) / (10 - 0) =
1.5 m/s²
Distance (Area A) = Area of triangle
= ½ × base × height = ½ × 10 × 15 =
75 meters
---
####
Segment B (10 to 20 s)
- Speed remains constant at 15 m/s
- This is
constant velocity
Acceleration = 0 m/s² (no change in speed)
Distance (Area B) = Rectangle
= base × height = (20 - 10) × 15 = 10 × 15 =
150 meters
---
####
Segment C (20 to 30 s)
- Speed increases from 15 m/s to 25 m/s
- Uniform acceleration
Acceleration = (25 - 15) / (30 - 20) = 10 / 10 =
1.0 m/s²
Distance (Area C) = Trapezoid
= ½ × (sum of parallel sides) × height
= ½ × (15 + 25) × 10 = ½ × 40 × 10 =
200 meters
Alternatively: average speed × time = (15 + 25)/2 × 10 = 20 × 10 = 200 m
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####
Segment D (30 to 50 s)
- Speed decreases from 25 m/s to 0 m/s
- Uniform deceleration
Acceleration = (0 - 25) / (50 - 30) = -25 / 20 =
-1.25 m/s²
Distance (Area D) = Triangle
= ½ × base × height = ½ × 20 × 25 =
250 meters
---
✔ Total Distance Traveled
Add all areas:
- A: 75 m
- B: 150 m
- C: 200 m
- D: 250 m
Total distance = 75 + 150 + 200 + 250 =
675 meters
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🧠 Summary of Key Results
| Segment | Time Interval | Speed Change | Acceleration | Distance |
|--------|----------------|---------------|----------------|----------|
| A | 0–10 s | 0 → 15 m/s | 1.5 m/s² | 75 m |
| B | 10–20 s | Constant 15 m/s | 0 m/s² | 150 m |
| C | 20–30 s | 15 → 25 m/s | 1.0 m/s² | 200 m |
| D | 30–50 s | 25 → 0 m/s | -1.25 m/s² | 250 m |
✔ Total Distance Traveled = 675 meters
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💡 Final Answer
> The object travels a total distance of
675 meters over 50 seconds.
If the task was to find total distance, that's the answer. If it was to find acceleration in each phase, or displacement (which equals distance here since speed is positive), we’ve covered all.
Let me know if you'd like to calculate
average speed,
total displacement, or anything else!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of velocity time graph worksheet answers.