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The main limitation of a speed time graph is that it represents a measure of radial velocity rather than total speed. Radial velocity is the velocity in a direction away from or towards the point of reference (usually the origin) along some pre-determined direction. Any motion in a transverse direction is ignored. Therefore, if you are going around in a circle about the origin, your distance from the origin is not changing with time. The speed time graph will show you as not moving rather than travelling at a constant speed.

Another example, in which motion is being measured Eastwards (along the x-axis). Each of the following will appear to be the same on a speed-time graph:

  • 10 kilometres per hour (kmph) due East
  • 10.824 kmph due ENE
  • 14.142 kmph due NE
  • 26.131 kmph due NNE.

Meanwhile if travelling due North, even motion at the speed of light will not show up at all!

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Q: What is the limitation of speed-time graphs?
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