Distance-time graph shows decelerating motion to a stop

Steps:

• Identify the graph's shape: a curve with decreasing slope, indicating slowing down.
• Note the trend: distance increases initially but levels off at the end.
• Compare to motion types: match to scenarios with initial speed reducing to zero.
• Eliminate options with acceleration or constant velocity.

Why D is correct:

• Braking to a halt means deceleration (negative acceleration), producing a concave-down curve on the distance-time graph per the definition of slope as velocity.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Vertical throw shows symmetric parabolic graph with zero velocity at peak, not just deceleration.
• B: Speeding up from rest gives increasing slope (concave-up curve), indicating acceleration.
• C: Free fall from rest yields steadily increasing slope (parabolic), due to constant acceleration from gravity.

Final answer: D