How Do I Draw and Interpret Displacement-Time Graphs?

By S. Mahandru, Head of Maths at Exam.tips

In mechanics you will look at a topic known as kinematics. This studies motion and you will come across displacement–time graphs which will show how the position of an object changes over time.

To find the velocity can be determined by finding the gradient of the graph. A steep line means faster motion. If the line is horizontal, then the object is stationary. 

Within a displacement–time graph, a downward slope means that the object is travelling backwards. 

Should you deal with a graph that is curved, this means that the velocity is not constant. There is acceleration. 

There are a number of calculations that can be found such as average speed and this is found by dividing total distance travelled by total time.

Drawing a clear displacement–time graph is important as it will help you to visualise the motion of an object.