Velocity - Time Graph

While plotting a velocity-time graph, generally the time is taken along the x-axis and the velocity along the y-axis.

Velocity-Time Graph for Uniform Motion

In uniform motion the velocity of the body remains constant, i.e., there is no change in the velocity with time. The velocity-time graph for such a uniform motion is a straight line parallel to the time axis.

Velocity-Time Graph for Non-Uniform Motion

If the velocity of a body changes uniformly with time, its acceleration is constant. The velocity-time graph for such a motion is a straight line inclined to the time axis.

The velocity increases by equal amounts in equal intervals of time. Since the slope of the straight line is constant, the average acceleration of the body is constant.

Interpretation of Velocity-Time Graph

Using v – t graph of the motion of a body, you can determine the distance traveled by it and the acceleration of the body at different instants.

The slope of the tangent at a point on the velocity-time graph gives the acceleration at that instant.