FIT / MOTION GAMES
Secondary · Physics Round 1/6 Score 0

Graph Racer

Shape a runner's motion. Read gradients and areas.

Race track

STARTFINISHMotion
Gradient = a Area = distance t v

The area under a speed–time graph is distance. Its gradient is acceleration.

Your mission

Speed–time graph

Drag the circular handles, or use the controls, to change the speed.

Speed Area = distance Selected gradient

Distance–time graph

The distance curve is built by adding the area under the speed graph.

The physics

Acceleration a = (v − u) ÷ t. Its unit is m/s². A decrease in velocity gives negative acceleration.

Distance = area under a speed–time graph: trapezium area = ½(u + v) × time.

Distance increases while speed is non-negative, even during deceleration.

For straight-line motion in one direction, speed and the magnitude of velocity are equal. The gradient of a distance–time graph is speed.

Each graph segment assumes constant acceleration. Changes in acceleration may be abrupt at the joins.