Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

In a velocity versus time graph for an object with constant speed, what would the line look like?

1. Horizontal line

2. Diagonal line upward

3. Diagonal line downward

4. Curved line

The correct answer is: Horizontal line

A velocity versus time graph for an object moving at a constant speed would indeed be represented by a horizontal line. This is because constant speed means that the velocity does not change over time; it remains the same regardless of the time that has passed. In this scenario, the y-axis represents velocity, while the x-axis represents time. A horizontal line indicates that as time increases, the velocity remains constant at a specific value. This reflects a lack of acceleration or deceleration, which is the defining characteristic of constant speed. In contrast, a diagonal line upward would indicate an increase in velocity over time, representing acceleration. A diagonal line downward would indicate a decrease in velocity, representing deceleration. A curved line would signify a variable speed, where the object's velocity is changing at different rates. Therefore, the representation of constant speed is accurately depicted by the horizontal line on a velocity versus time graph.