Physics A-Level
Gradient as a rate of change
What Gradient as a rate of change means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Gradient as a rate of change
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Reference: AQA
On a displacement–time graph the gradient gives velocity, and on a velocity–time graph it gives acceleration, found using a tangent where the graph is curved.
Topics that use Gradient as a rate of change
- Motion along a straight line (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Acceleration
- Area under a graph
- Area under a graph as a product
- Displacement
- Experimental design and evaluation
- Free fall and uniform acceleration
- Gradient
- Sign and direction in motion graphs
Using Gradient as a rate of change in the exam
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