The magnitude of the acceleration of a moving object is equal to the

1. Analyze the question We need to find which graph feature gives the magnitude of acceleration.

2. Explain the concept Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity:

a = (v − u) / t = Δv / Δt

On a graph, a "rate of change" is the gradient (slope). Since acceleration involves velocity against time, we need the gradient of a velocity-time graph.

3. Check each option

• A. Gradient of a displacement-time graph: This gives velocity, not acceleration (velocity = Δs / Δt). Wrong.
• B. Gradient of a velocity-time graph: This gives Δv / Δt, which is acceleration. Correct.
• C. Area below a force-time graph: This gives impulse (change in momentum), since impulse = F × t. Wrong.
• D. Area below a velocity-time graph: This gives displacement (distance travelled). Wrong.

4. Answer The magnitude of acceleration equals the gradient of a velocity-time graph, which is option B.

5. Exam tip Remember the "gradient and area" pattern:

• Displacement-time graph: gradient = velocity
• Velocity-time graph: gradient = acceleration, area = displacement
• Force-time graph: area = impulse

Gradient means "rate of change" and area means "accumulated total". If you remember that, you can answer most graph questions in seconds.