# A sprinter runs a 100 m race along a straight track. At the starting gun the sprinter accelerates from rest, reaching a maximum velocity after 6 seconds. For the remainder of the race the sprinter moves at this constant maximum velocity. Describe what a velocity-time graph of the entire race would look like, and state what feature of the graph could be used to find the total distance covered during the race.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The graph starts at the origin / velocity is zero at time zero
2. A straight line with a positive gradient from the origin up to the maximum velocity, lasting 6 seconds (first phase is uniform/constant acceleration)
3. A horizontal straight line at the maximum velocity for the rest of the race (constant velocity phase)
4. The area under the line / area between the line and the time axis gives the total distance travelled

## Key terms

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

## Related

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-sprinter-runs-a-100-m-fccfdc90) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.