Combined Science GCSE
Gradient
What Gradient means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Gradient
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Reference: AQA
A measure of rate found from a straight-line section by dividing the change in the y-axis quantity by the change in the x-axis quantity, including units.
Of the straight-line section of a force–extension graph, it is numerically equal to the spring constant, so a steeper line means a stiffer spring.
Found by choosing two well-separated points on the tangent and dividing the change in the y-axis quantity by the change in time.
A measure of speed found as change in distance divided by change in time, with a steeper line meaning faster motion.
The gradient of the line gives the speed, calculated by dividing the change in distance by the change in time.
For a straight-line graph through the origin, this equals the constant linking the two quantities.
Topics that use Gradient
- Calculating rates of reactions (AQA GCSE)
- Forces and elasticity (AQA GCSE)
- Key ideas (AQA GCSE)
- Rate of photosynthesis (AQA GCSE)
- The distance–time relationship (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Proportionality
- Rate of reaction
- Accelerated motion and curved graphs
- Action at a distance
- Activation energy
- Active site
- Adaptation
- Anaerobic respiration
Using Gradient in the exam
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