Practice Questions

1. Given two points on a velocity-time graph, how would you calculate the slope to find acceleration?

For a straight line graph, form a triangle. Measure the change in velocity and the change in time. 

Then use the formula

acceleration = change in velocity/time

For a curved line graph, draw a tangent line to the curve where you want to measure the gradient. Use the tangent line to form a triangle. Measure the change in velocity and time. 

Calculate acceleration by dividing the change in velocity by time period.

2. What does a curved line on a velocity-time graph indicate about acceleration?

Gradient is changing, so the acceleration is changing. 

3. Use the following data to draw a velocity time graph and then calculate the acceleration.