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GCSE Physics graph questions

Read scales, plot coordinates and interpret straight-line gradients and intercepts.

Practise

Calculate a gradient

Calculate the gradient using A and B, in m s⁻¹. It gives the object's velocity. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

Displacement against timeA straight line through labelled points A and B. Horizontal axis: Time / s, 0 to 40. Vertical axis: Displacement / m, 0 to 12. Exact values are also listed below the graph.010203040024681012Time / sDisplacement / mAB
Read the axes and units. The values are also available in the table below.
Larger graph
Displacement against timeA straight line through labelled points A and B. Horizontal axis: Time / s, 0 to 40. Vertical axis: Displacement / m, 0 to 12. Exact values are also listed below the graph.010203040024681012Time / sDisplacement / mAB
Graph values
Coordinates
PointTime / sDisplacement / m
A104
B308

Treat the displayed values as exact unless an uncertainty is stated.

Use decimals or e notation, e.g. 4.2e-3. Enter the unit separately.

Hint

Gradient = (vertical change) / (horizontal change). Use the same order for both subtractions; a falling line has a negative gradient.

Worked solution
  1. A = (10 s, 4 m); B = (30 s, 8 m).
  2. Gradient = (8 − 4) / (30 − 10) = 0.2 m s⁻¹.
  3. Answer: 0.200 m s⁻¹ (3 significant figures).
Another question
Question type: Mixed practice
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Foundation and Higher: this set covers content common to both tiers. Some calculations need several steps.

Reading a graph

Read the axis quantities and units before calculating. Use two well-separated points on the supplied line for a gradient. The gradient’s meaning comes from the axes: displacement divided by time gives velocity; potential difference divided by current gives resistance. These tasks use straight lines and coordinate entry; tangents and areas under curves are outside this set.

Work through the practical method and sample results

GCSE scope

AQA 8463: MS 4a–d; 4.5.6.1.4; 4.2.1.4; OCR Gateway J249: 5g M4a–d; P2.1; P3.2; P9. Tasks cover the selected skills listed above.

AQA specification · OCR Gateway specification