Unit 3, Physics Flashcards
Define speed.
The distance travelled per unit of time.
State what the units for speed are.
m/s
What’s the formula for speed? instantaneous speed speed average speed all have same formula
d=vt
Define average speed.
Average speed is the total distance travelled per unit of time.
Describe an experiment to measure average speed using a stopwatch.
Measure the distance between the starting and finishing points of the slope. Then measure the time it takes from trolley to reach from the starting point to the finishing point.
- measure distance between start and finish
- measure time it takes
Describe an experiment to measure average speed using light gates.
Measure the distance between the first and second light gates, this will be your distance. The light gates measure the time it takes for the trolley to pass both light gates.
- measure distance between first and second light gate
- light gates measure time taken
Would light gates or a stopwatch be most accurate to find average speed?
Light gates are more effective as it removes the delays and inaccuracies with human reactions.
Define instantaneous speed.
Speed is the distance travelled per instant of time.
Define acceleration.
Acceleration is the increase in speed per unit of time.
What’s the unit for acceleration?
. -2
ms
What’s the formula for acceleration?
a= v/t
Describe an experiment to measure acceleration.
Set the computer to measure acceleration. The length of the card is entered into the computer. The computer calculates the acceleration by calculating the change in speed and time taken.
• computer measures acceleration
• length of card
• computer calculates by measuring speed and time
The formula for acceleration:
a = 🔺v t
Units for
acceleration
. -2
ms
