Motion graphsEdexcel International A Level Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on Motion graphs

1. A cyclist rides along a straight road. Her displacement–time graph is a straight line rising from 0 m to 60 m in the first 10 s, then horizontal for 5.0 s, then a straight line falling back to 0 m over the next 15 s.
   Calculate the average velocity and the average speed of the cyclist for the whole 30 s.2 marks
2. A tram moves along a straight track. Its velocity increases uniformly from rest to 16 m s⁻¹ in 8.0 s, stays constant for 20 s, and then decreases uniformly to rest in 16 s.
   Calculate the distance travelled by the tram while it is decelerating.2 marks
3. A steel ball is released from rest in a tall cylinder of oil. Its velocity increases from zero until the ball reaches a constant terminal velocity of 0.40 m s⁻¹. Its speed is measured at 0.20 s intervals from release and is 0, 0.15, 0.26, 0.33, 0.37 and 0.39 m s⁻¹ at times 0, 0.20, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80 and 1.0 s.
   Describe how the acceleration of the ball changes during its fall and explain how this can be seen from its velocity–time graph.3 marks