Topic 1.2 - Motion

Question 1

What are the 3 main components of motion?

Answer 1

1. Speed
2. Direction
3. Acceleration (change in speed)

Question 2

Give the equation for average speed

Answer 2

average speed (m/s) = distance (m) ÷ time (s)

v = d ÷ t

Question 3

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Answer 3

• Speed is scalar, so doesn’t include direction
• Velocity is a vector, so has a direction

Question 4

Give an equation for acceleration

Answer 4

Question 5

What is the value of acceleration due to gravity at the Earth’s surface?

Answer 5

9.81 m/s²

Question 6

Explain how terminal velocity is reached

Answer 6

• Initially in free fall, the only force is weight, causing acceleration downwards
• As speed increases, air resistance (which acts upwards) increases
• This decreases the resultant force
• Eventually air resistance = weight, so there is no resultant force, resulting in terminal velocity

Question 7

What is deceleration?

Answer 7

Negative acceleration (slowing down, decreasing speed).