Distance, Speed and acceleration

Question 1

What is meant by the definition “Velocity”?

Answer 1

An instantaneous speed in a particular direction.

Question 2

What is meant by the definition “Reaction Time”?

Answer 2

The time taken to react to a stimulus.

Question 3

What is meant by the definition “Thinking distance”?

Answer 3

The distance travelled whilst reacting.

Question 4

What is meant by the definition “Braking distance”?

Answer 4

The distance travelled whilst braking and going to a stop.

Question 5

Why is speed a scalar quantity?

Answer 5

It only has magnitude (size).

Question 6

Why is velocity a vector quantity?

Answer 6

It has a direction as well as a magnitude.

Question 7

How do you find speed?

Answer 7

Speed = Distance
————–
Time

Question 8

How do you find acceleration/deceleration?

Answer 8

Acceleration/Deceleration = Change in velocity/Time

Question 9

What is speed measured in?

Answer 9

m/s

Question 10

What is velocity measured in?

Answer 10

m/s²

Question 11

What is the meaning of a constantly increasing gradient in a distance - time graph?

Answer 11

A constant speed and velocity

Question 12

What is the meaning of zero gradient in a distance - time graph?

Answer 12

Zero speed so its stationary

Question 13

What is the meaning of an increasing gradient in a distance - time graph?

Answer 13

An increasing speed so it is accelerating

Question 14

What is the meaning of a decreasing gradient in a distance - time graph?

Answer 14

A decreasing speed so its decelerating

Question 15

What is the meaning of a constantly increasing gradient in a velocity- time graph?

Answer 15

Accelerating constantly

Question 16

What is the meaning of zero gradient in a velocity- time graph?

Answer 16

Zero acceleration so a constant speed

Question 17

What is the meaning of an increasing gradient in a velocity- time graph?

Answer 17

An increasing acceleration

Question 18

What is the meaning of a decreasing gradient in a velocity- time graph?

Answer 18

A decreasing acceleration

Question 19

What is the total stopping distance?

Answer 19

Thinking distance + Braking distance

Question 20

How do you work out the distance travelled in a velocity time graph?

Answer 20

Calculate the area under the graph

Question 21

What factors affect the thinking distance?

Answer 21

Tiredness, alcohol, poor concentration, drugs

Question 22

What factors affect the braking distance?

Answer 22

Velocity of car, the weather, condition of tires

Question 23

What must cars have to stop safely?

Answer 23

Adequate tread depth to clear water from under the tire.