# A train travels along a straight track between two stations. For the first part of the journey, the train accelerates uniformly from rest. It then travels at a constant velocity. Finally, it decelerates uniformly to rest at the second station. Describe what a velocity-time graph of this entire journey would look like, and state what feature of the graph could be used to find the total distance travelled between the two stations.

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

> A train starts from rest at one station and comes to rest at the next station along a straight track.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The graph starts at zero velocity and shows a straight line with a positive gradient (uniform acceleration from rest).
2. The graph then shows a horizontal straight line, indicating constant / steady velocity.
3. The graph ends with a straight line with a negative gradient (uniform deceleration) back down to zero velocity.
4. The total distance travelled is found from the area under the velocity-time graph.

## Key terms

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

## 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)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-train-travels-along-a-straight-c1b4ab9a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.