Comparing Speeds on a Velocity-Time Graph

Steps:

• Identify the lines representing Runner 1 and Runner 2 on the speed-time graph.
• Observe the height of each line, which indicates speed at different times.
• Compare the speeds: a higher line means greater speed.
• Determine that Runner 1's line is consistently above Runner 2's, indicating higher speed.

Why C is correct:

• On a speed-time graph, the vertical position directly shows speed; Runner 1's higher position means greater velocity, per the graph's definition of speed as the y-axis value.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Graph shows speeds but not start times; runners could begin at different moments.
• B: No timing information on when each started; start order is unclear.
• D: Higher speed for Runner 1 implies increasing distance gap, so separation changes over time.

Final answer: C