Motion, Velocity, and Position-Time Graph

Question 1

What is the formula for average speed?

Answer 1

𝑣
av
=
Δ
𝑑
Δ
𝑡
v
av
​
=
Δt
Δd
​
(Total distance divided by total time)

Question 2

What is the formula for average velocity?

Answer 2

v
av
​
=
Δt
Δ
d

​
(Displacement divided by time, includes direction)

Question 3

What is the key difference between speed and velocity?

Answer 3

Speed is scalar (only magnitude), while velocity is vector (magnitude + direction).

Question 4

If an object moves 10m forward and then 10m back in 5 seconds, what is its average velocity?

Answer 4

0 m/s (since displacement is zero)

Question 5

How do you determine motion from a position-time graph?

Answer 5

The slope represents velocity.

Horizontal line → Object is at rest.
Positive slope → Moving forward.
Negative slope → Moving backward.

Question 6

How does a position-time graph look for constant velocity?

Answer 6

A straight diagonal line (positive for forward motion, negative for backward motion).

Question 7

What does a steeper slope in a position-time graph indicate?

Answer 7

A higher velocity (faster movement).

Question 8

How can you tell if an object is accelerating on a position-time graph?

Answer 8

The graph will be curved, indicating a change in velocity.

Question 9

How do we assign direction to motion in physics?

Answer 9

Rightward motion is positive, leftward (or opposite direction) is negative.

Question 10

If a cyclist moves at a constant velocity of 11 m/s [E], what is their displacement after 5 seconds?

Answer 10

11×5=55 m east.