Physics Module 3 Motion and Forces in Action [Kinematics]

Question 1

1. Displacement

Answer 1

s. The distance travelled in a particular direction, or overall change in position. A vector quantity. Measured in metres, m. E.g. 3 km north.

Question 2

2. Instantaneous Speed

Answer 2

The speed of an object at a given moment in time. A scalar quantity. Measured in metres per second, ms-1.

Question 3

3. Average Speed

Answer 3

Speed = total distance / time. A measure of the distance per unit time. A scalar quantity. Measured in metres per second, ms-1.

Question 4

4. Velocity

Answer 4

u (initial) or v (final). Velocity = displacement / time. The displacement per unit time. A vector quantity. Measured in metres per second, ms–1. E.g. 330 ms–1 forwards.

Question 5

5. Acceleration

Answer 5

a. Acceleration = Rate of change of velocity. Change in velocity per unit time. A vector quantity. Measured in metres per second squared, ms–2. E.g. + 330 ms–2.

Question 6

6. Displacement-Time Graph

Answer 6

Gradient = Δ y / Δ x = Velocity.

Question 7

7. Velocity-Time Graph

Answer 7

Gradient = Δ y / Δ x = Acceleration.
Area under the graph = = x y = Displacement.