Speed Basics
(TEKS 7.7A)
(TEKS 7.7A)
Speed vs. Velocity (TEKS 7.7B)
Distance-Time Graphs
(TEKS 7.7C)
(TEKS 7.7C)
Calculate From Graphs
Graph Line Meanings
100
What two measurements do you need to calculate average speed?
Distance and time
100
Which one includes direction: speed or velocity?
Velocity
100
On a distance-time graph, what goes on the x-axis?
Time
100
If a graph shows 150 meters at 10 seconds, what is the speed?
15 m/s
100
What does a straight horizontal line on a distance-time graph represent? 
The object is at rest (not moving).
200
What is the formula for average speed.
Speed = distance ÷ time
200
What does displacement describe?
The shortest distance from start to finish, including direction.
200
What does a straight upward line on a distance-time graph show?
Constant speed.
200
If an object travels 50 meters in 5 seconds, what is the speed?
10 m/s
200
What does a straight diagonal line going upward mean on a distance-time graph?
The object is moving at a constant speed.
300
A student walks 20 meters in 4 seconds. What is the average speed?
5 m/s
300
A runner goes 10 meters east. Is this speed or velocity?
Velocity (has direction).
300
What does a flat (horizontal) line on a distance-time graph mean?
The object is not moving.
300
A graph shows an object travels 30 meters in 6 seconds. Calculate the speed.
5 m/s
300
What does a curved line on a distance-time graph usually indicate?
The object’s speed is changing (speeding up or slowing down).
400
A bike travels 120 meters in 10 seconds. What is the average speed?
12 m/s
400
A car drives 50m east and 35m west. What is the displacement?
15m east
400
Which line shows faster speed: a steep line or a shallow line?
Steep line.
400
A graph shows 100 meters in 25 seconds. What is the speed?
4 m/s
400
What does a line sloping downward toward zero distance represent?
The object is moving back toward the starting point
500
A car travels 300 meters in 15 seconds. Another car travels 200 meters in 10 seconds. Which car has the greater average speed?
Both are 20 m/s — same speed.
500
A student walks 30 meters east, then 40 meters west in 20 seconds. What is the average velocity?
0.5 m/s west
500
If a graph shows the object moving backward toward the starting point, what happens to the distance line?
It goes downward.
500
Which graph shows faster motion:
Graph A: 40 m in 10 s
Graph B: 60 m in 10 s
Graph B because 6 m/s is faster than 4 m/s
500
A graph shows three sections:
• First section: standard upward line
• Second section: flat line
• Third section: steep upward line
Describe what the object is doing during each section.
Constant motion → stopped → Fast motion.