# A skateboarder starts from rest and pushes along a straight, flat path. For the first part of the journey the skateboarder accelerates, then travels at a constant velocity, and finally decelerates to a stop. Describe what a velocity-time graph of the entire journey would look like, referring to the gradient and the area under the line.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 1.2 Movement and position · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The first section of the graph is a straight line with a positive gradient, showing uniform acceleration from rest.
2. The middle section is a horizontal straight line (zero gradient), showing constant velocity.
3. The final section is a straight line with a negative gradient, showing uniform deceleration back to zero velocity.
4. The area under the entire graph equals the total distance travelled by the skateboarder.

## Key terms

- [velocity-time graph](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/velocity-time-graph)
- [gradient](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gradient)
- [constant velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/constant-velocity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-skateboarder-starts-from-rest-and-c1a9db25) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.