The graph you analyzed in section one was a position or distance vs. time graph. Position vs. time data tells you the position or distance of an object at different points in time.

In a position vs. time graph, there are two variables. One variable is the time, and the other variable is the distance the object has moved.

Which of these variables do you think is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable. Review the definitions of independent variable and dependent variable.

Independent variable is the variable that is changed on purpose for the experiment. You can think if the independent variable as the “cause.” The independent variable is positioned on the X axis of the graph.

Dependent variable is the variable that acts in response to the manipulation of the independent variable. The dependent variable can be thought of as the results or effect of the experiment. The dependent variable is positioned on the Y axis of the graph.

Let's take a closer look at the parts of a position vs. time graph. Click on the words below.

Let's look at some motion data and see how it translates to a graph. Click on each description to learn more.

Distance vs. Time Graph Summary

A distance-time graph tells us how far an object has moved with time.

• The steeper the graph, the faster the motion.
• A horizontal line means the object is not changing its position - it is not moving; it is at rest.
• A downward sloping line means the object is returning to the start.

Click on each line to see a description of the motion being illustrated.

Let’s look back at the graph and your answer choice from section 1.

1. Robert took his dog for a walk to the park. He started out slowly and then increased his pace. At the park, Robert turned back around and walked slowly back home.
2. Robert rode his bike east from his home up a steep hill. After a while, the slope of the hill eased off. At the top of the hill, he raced down the other side.
3. Robert went for a jog. At the end of his road, he bumped into a friend and his pace slowed. When Robert left his friend, he walked quickly back home.

After reviewing distance vs. Time graphs, would you change your answer and reasoning? Scroll over each section of the graph below to learn more about what the data means.

Based on the information in the graph, answer C is the correct answer.