A2: Linear Motion

Question 1

Definition of linear motion:

Answer 1

Movement of a body in a straight or curved line where all parts move in the same direction and distance over the same amount of time

Question 2

How does linear motion occur?

Answer 2

Comes from direct force being applied to a body (applied through the centre of mass)

Question 3

What are the 5 descriptors of linear motion (with units)?

Answer 3

Distance (m) 
Displacement (m)
Speed (m/s)
Velocity (m/s)
Acceleration (m/s/s)

Question 4

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Answer 4

Distance = Total length
Displacement = Shortest path from start to finish

Question 5

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Answer 5

Speed = Rate of change in distance
Velocity = Rate of change in displacement

Question 6

Definition of acceleration

Answer 6

Rate of change in velocity

Question 7

What does the gradient of a distance/time graph show?

Answer 7

The speed of the object/body

Question 8

What does the gradient of a speed/time graph show?

Answer 8

The acceleration (or deceleration) of an object/body

Question 9

What does the gradient of a velocity/time graph show?

Answer 9

The acceleration (or deceleration) of an object/body

Question 10

What does the area under a velocity/time graph show?

Answer 10

Displacement