Key fact The gradient of speed-time and velocity-time graphs represent acceleration. The area under a speed-time graph represents the distance travelled.

Save guides, add subjects and pick up where you left off with your BBC account. Acceleration close accelerationThe rate of change in speed (or velocity) is measured in metres per second squared ...

A graph of Jupiter’s apparent velocity against time would therefore slope down so that the area under the curve forms a trapezoid – a four-sided shape with a sloping top.