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GCSE Combined Science · key term
The slope of a graph, calculated as the change in the vertical-axis quantity divided by the change in the horizontal-axis quantity.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 5.6.1.1, 6.5.4.1.4, 6.5.4.1.5 · Paper 4, Paper 6
The slope of a line, calculated as the change in the vertical-axis quantity divided by the change in the horizontal-axis quantity.
The change in the vertical coordinate divided by the corresponding change in the horizontal coordinate. On a velocity-time graph, gradient represents acceleration.
Paper 5, Paper 6
The steepness of a graph line, calculated as the change in the vertical-axis quantity divided by the change in the horizontal-axis quantity.
Revise: Speed, distance–time graphs and measuring speedThe important feature is the gradient, or steepness, rather than the height of the line. A point high on the graph shows that a large distance has already been travelled; it does not necessarily show a high speed.
The change in the vertical-axis quantity divided by the corresponding change in the horizontal-axis quantity. On a velocity–time graph, gradient gives acceleration.
For a tangent gradient, choose two well-separated points on the tangent, not two points on the curve.
For a gradient, use changes in both coordinates: (final velocity − initial velocity) ÷ (final time − initial time).
Use a large gradient triangle on a straight section and show which coordinates you have read.
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