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Cognito · AQA Physics 2026/27 Motion Graphs
Key facts
Key equations Speed = distance ÷ time (v = d/t). Units: m/s.Velocity — speed in a given direction (vector). Can change even at constant speed if direction changes.Acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time (a = Δv/t). Units: m/s².Negative acceleration = deceleration (slowing down). v² = u² + 2as (higher tier — used when time is not given).s = ut + ½at² (higher tier — distance with initial velocity u and acceleration a).Distance-time graphs Gradient = speed .Horizontal line = stationary. Straight line (not horizontal) = constant speed. Curved line = changing speed (acceleration or deceleration). Steeper gradient = faster speed. Velocity-time graphs Gradient = acceleration .Area under graph = distance travelled .Horizontal line = constant velocity (zero acceleration). Straight line going up = constant acceleration. Straight line going down = constant deceleration. Curve = changing acceleration. Typical exam questions Calculate speed from DT graph gradient. Calculate acceleration from VT graph gradient. Calculate distance from area under VT graph (triangles + rectangles). Describe motion from a given graph. Draw a VT graph for a described journey. Exam questions — 4 questions · 12 marks
⚡ Extended questions included. Show all working for calculation questions. The AI marks against the real AQA mark scheme.
1 mark Distance-time graph AQA 8463 P2 style
On a distance-time graph, what does a horizontal line represent?
A Constant speed
B The object is stationary (zero speed)
C The object is accelerating
D The object is decelerating
4 marks Velocity-time graph analysis AQA 8463 P2 style
A car accelerates from rest to 20 m/s in 8 seconds, travels at constant velocity for 12 seconds, then decelerates uniformly to rest in 4 seconds. (a) Calculate the acceleration in the first phase. (b) Calculate the total distance travelled. (4 marks)
Hint: (a) a = Δv/t. (b) Split the VT graph into triangles and rectangles. Area of each = distance. Add them up.
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+40 XP
3 marks Describe motion from graph AQA 8463 P2 style
Describe the motion of an object whose distance-time graph shows: (0-5s) a straight line with positive gradient, (5-10s) a horizontal line, (10-15s) a steeper straight line with positive gradient. (3 marks)
Hint: Gradient = speed. Horizontal = stationary. Steeper gradient = faster. Describe each section.
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1 mark Area under VT graph AQA 8463 P2 style
What does the area under a velocity-time graph represent?
A The acceleration of the object
B The force acting on the object
C The distance travelled by the object
D The average speed of the object
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