What does a velocity-time graph indicate for an object in motion?

A velocity-time graph provides essential insights into the motion of an object by depicting changes in velocity over time. The vertical axis of the graph represents the velocity of the object, while the horizontal axis represents time.

When analyzing the graph, the slope of the line indicates acceleration: a steeper slope means greater acceleration, while a horizontal line indicates constant velocity. If the line is above the time axis, the object is moving in a positive direction at that particular velocity; if it drops below the axis, the object is moving in the opposite direction.

This graphical representation also allows one to determine the object's changes in velocity, which is crucial for understanding how an object's speed and direction vary during its motion. As a result, it effectively illustrates not just the speed but also the direction of the object, which is essential for analyzing dynamics in mechanics.

In contrast, while a position-time graph would indicate changes in the object's position, that is not what we are observing with the velocity-time graph. Similarly, the graph does not exclusively reflect speed alone, as velocity also encompasses direction, nor does it provide a measure of the total distance traveled. Instead, it focuses on the overall changes in velocity, making it a crucial tool for analyzing an object's motion.