AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
If an object moves along a straight line, the distance travelled can be…
Full specification wording
The distance–time relationship: If an object moves along a straight line, the distance travelled can be represented by a distance–time graph.
Sketching a distance-time graph from a description is a common task, marked section by section.
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 5
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Sketching a distance-time graph from a description is a common task, marked section by section. A stationary period is a horizontal line lasting exactly as long as the description states. Steady motion is represented by a straight line sloping upwards. If the object is accelerating, the line curves upwards with an increasing gradient. Distance is a scalar quantity, meaning the total distance travelled can be plotted regardless of whether the path is straight or curved, though exam questions typically focus on straight-line motion. Always label both axes with the quantity and its unit, use the scale given, and ensure the line is continuous.
What earns the marks
- A horizontal line covering the stationary period and ending at the stated time.
- A straight line with a positive gradient representing constant speed.
- An upward curve of increasing gradient where the object accelerates.
- Axes labelled with distance and time, including correct units.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Starting the sloping section at the wrong time because the stationary period was misread.
Drawing a downward slope to represent slowing down, which incorrectly implies decreasing total distance.
Sketching a straight line where the description says the object accelerates.
Exam tips
- Mark the key times on the axis before drawing the line segments.
- Remember that distance-time graphs never slope downwards; total distance cannot decrease.
Try the lesson
The start of the The distance–time relationship: If an object moves along a straight line, the distance travelled can be represented by a distance–time graph. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
On a distance–time graph for an object moving along a straight line, what does a horizontal line show?
Listen
Sketching a distance-time graph from a description is a common task, marked section by section. A stationary period is a horizontal line lasting exactly as long as the description states. Steady motion is represented by a straight line sloping upwards. If the object is accelerating, the line curves upwards with an increasing gradient. Distance is a scalar quantity, meaning the total distance travelled can be plotted regardless of whether the path is straight or curved, though exam questions typically focus on straight-line motion. Always label both axes with the quantity and its unit, use the scale given, and ensure the line is continuous. A strong answer earns marks for these points. a horizontal line covering the stationary period and ending at the stated time. a straight line with a positive gradient representing constant speed. an upward curve of increasing gradient where the object accelerates. axes labelled with distance and time, including correct units. Exam tip: Mark the key times on the axis before drawing the line segments.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
stationary period
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constant speed
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acceleration as a curve
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scalar quantities
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See every definition
- stationary period
- A period shown on a distance–time graph as a horizontal line lasting exactly as long as the description states.
- constant speed
- Steady motion represented on a distance–time graph by a straight line sloping upwards.
- acceleration as a curve
- When the object is accelerating, the line curves upwards with an increasing gradient.
- scalar quantities
- Distance is one, meaning the total distance travelled can be plotted regardless of whether the path is straight or curved.
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