Unit 1 - Velocity-Time Graphs & Acceleration Flashcards
What is speed in physics?
The rate at which something moves
What is velocity in physics?
Speed with a direction.
Velocity is a vector
What is acceleration in physics?
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity
How is displacement calculated from a velocity-time graph?
By finding the area under the velocity-time graph.
What does a horizontal line on a speed-time graph represent?
Represents constant speed.
What does a sloping line on a speed-time graph represent?
Acceleration/deceleration.
How can acceleration be measured using symbols?
Acceleration (a) = (final velocity (v) - initial velocity (u)) ÷ time (t).
a = (v-u) ÷ t
What does uniform acceleration mean?
That the acceleration is always the same
i.e. the speed of an object changes by the same amount every second.
What does deceleration mean in physics?
Deceleration refers to negative acceleration
How can instantaneous speed be measured?
Instantaneous speed can be measured at a specific moment using tools like light gates and timers.
What does the gradient of a speed-time graph represent?
The gradient of a speed-time graph represents acceleration.”
What does the area under a speed-time graph represent?
Distance travelled.
What is constant speed?
When instantaneous speed remains unchanged throughout a journey.
What formula links initial velocity, final velocity, and acceleration?
Final velocity (v) = initial velocity (u) + acceleration (a) × time (t).
v=u+(a×t)
How can you calculate average speed?
Average speed = total distance travelled ÷ total time taken.
How do you calculate average velocity?
Average velocity = total displacement ÷ total time taken.
