In a velocity versus time graph, how can a horizontal graph be interpreted?

In a velocity versus time graph, how can a horizontal graph be interpreted?

• A. maximum displacement
• B. constant velocity
• C. increasing speed
• D. changing acceleration

Answer: (B)

A velocity-time graph shows how velocity changes as time passes. A horizontal line means velocity does not change over time—its value is the same at every moment. Since the slope of the line is zero, the acceleration is zero. That means the object moves with constant velocity: its speed stays the same and its direction stays the same. If the line sits at a positive velocity, the object covers equal distances in equal time intervals, so displacement grows linearly with time (distance = velocity × time). If the line is on the time axis, the velocity is zero and the object is at rest. This interpretation aligns with the idea of constant velocity, rather than increasing speed (which would show a rising line), or changing acceleration (which would require a non-horizontal slope).

A velocity-time graph shows how velocity changes as time passes. A horizontal line means velocity does not change over time—its value is the same at every moment. Since the slope of the line is zero, the acceleration is zero. That means the object moves with constant velocity: its speed stays the same and its direction stays the same. If the line sits at a positive velocity, the object covers equal distances in equal time intervals, so displacement grows linearly with time (distance = velocity × time). If the line is on the time axis, the velocity is zero and the object is at rest. This interpretation aligns with the idea of constant velocity, rather than increasing speed (which would show a rising line), or changing acceleration (which would require a non-horizontal slope).