# A velocity–time graph for a car journey shows three distinct sections: a straight line rising from zero velocity, followed by a horizontal straight line, and finally a straight line falling back to zero velocity. State what each of the three sections tells you about the motion of the car, and state what the area under the entire graph represents.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 1.2 Motion · State · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The rising straight line shows the car is accelerating (at a constant rate / uniformly).
2. The horizontal straight line shows the car is moving at a constant (steady) velocity / speed.
3. The falling straight line shows the car is decelerating (at a constant rate / uniformly) / has a negative acceleration.
4. The area under the entire graph represents the total distance travelled (by the car).

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "State" 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-velocity-time-graph-for-a-car-ac6788fc) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.