0% found this document useful (0 votes)
74 views52 pages

Measurement and Motion ALL

This document contains notes on measuring physical quantities like length, time, mass, and volume in a physics laboratory setting. It discusses tools for measurement like rulers, measuring cylinders, clocks, timers, balances, and measuring cylinders. It also provides instructions for measuring the period and frequency of a pendulum, including collecting data on the relationship between pendulum length and period. The document contains sample data and questions to analyze the results of a student investigation on how pendulum period changes with length. It defines types of measurement errors like parallax error and discusses how position can impact accuracy.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
74 views52 pages

Measurement and Motion ALL

This document contains notes on measuring physical quantities like length, time, mass, and volume in a physics laboratory setting. It discusses tools for measurement like rulers, measuring cylinders, clocks, timers, balances, and measuring cylinders. It also provides instructions for measuring the period and frequency of a pendulum, including collecting data on the relationship between pendulum length and period. The document contains sample data and questions to analyze the results of a student investigation on how pendulum period changes with length. It defines types of measurement errors like parallax error and discusses how position can impact accuracy.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 52

Harrow International School Y10

Physics Department

IGCSE Measurement and Motion (2023-2025)


Physical quantities and measurement techniques
1.1.1 Describe the use of rulers and measuring cylinders to find a length or a volume
1.1.2 Describe how to measure a variety of time intervals using clocks and digital timers
1.1.3 Determine an average value for a small distance and for a short interval of time by measuring multiples (including
the period of oscillation of a pendulum)

Density
1.4.1 Define density as mass per unit volume; recall and use the equation ρ = m/V
Ah

1.4.2 Describe how to determine the density of a liquid, of a regularly shaped solid and of an irregularly shaped solid
which sinks in a liquid (volume by displacement), including appropriate calculations
1.4.3 Determine whether an object floats based on density data
1.4.4 Determine whether one liquid will float on another liquid based on density data given that the liquids do not
mix
m

Describing Motion
1.2.1 Define speed as distance travelled per unit time; recall and use the equation v = s/t
1.2.2 Define velocity as speed in a given direction
ed

1.2.3 Recall and use the equation: average speed = total distance travelled / total time taken
1.2.4 Sketch, plot and interpret distance-time and speed-time graphs
1.2.5 Determine, qualitatively, from given data or the shape of a distance–time graph or speed–time graph when an
object is:
(a) at rest
(b) moving with constant speed
(c) accelerating
Ac

(d) decelerating
1.2.6 Calculate speed from the gradient of a straightline section of a distance–time graph
1.2.7 Calculate the area under a speed–time graph to determine the distance travelled for motion with constant speed
or constant acceleration
ad

Acceleration
1.2.9 Define acceleration as change in velocity per unit time; recall and use the equation a = Δv / Δt
1.2.10 Determine from given data or the shape of a speed–time graph when an object is moving with:
(a) constant acceleration
(b) changing acceleration
em

1.2.11 Calculate acceleration from the gradient of a speed–time graph


1.2.12 Know that a deceleration is a negative acceleration and use this in calculations
y

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 1


Measuring Length
A _ _ _ _ has a scale with the
zero mark at one end. 1 2 3 4

A _ _ _ _ _ has a scale with the


zero mark a little way in from
one end. 0 1 2 3 4

Vernier Calipers and Micrometers are extension work


Ah

A Vernier caliper has a precision


of 0.1 mm ≡ ________ m.
m
ed

What is the reading?


Ac
ad

A micrometer screw gauge is used to


em

measure very _ _ _ _ _ distances, it


has a precision of
0.01 mm ≡ _____________ m.
y

What is the reading?

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 2


Measuring Time
In the laboratory, time can be measured using a stop-watch or _ _ _ _-_ _ _ _ _ .
Whilst most stop-watches
will provide a reading to
the nearest 0.01seconds,
human _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
time limits the precision
Ah

to which it may be read


to about 0.1s

The following techniques may be used to reduce the error in finding the time
m

period for a pendulum.

1. Time 20 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ oscillations then divide by 20 – reduces the


ed

effect of reaction time.

2. Use a timing _ _ _ _ – improves accuracy of measurement of time.

3. _ _ _ _ _ _ the measurements – anomalous results easily spotted.


Ac

Measuring Mass
Mass can be measured using an electronic
ad

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ . Place the balance on a firm,


_ _ _ _ _ surface. Make sure the surface
of the pan is _ _ _ _ _ . If there is nothing
em

in the pan, the reading should be _ _ _ _ .


Measuring Volume
Volume can be measured using a measuring
y

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . Place the measuring cylinder on a


firm, _ _ _ _ _ surface. Make sure the measuring
cylinder is _ _ _ _ _ . Always read at _ _ _ level
from the _ _ _ _ _ _ of the meniscus.

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 3


Measuring the period and
frequency of a pendulum
The period, T, is the time taken for a pendulum
to perform one oscillation.
An oscillation is one complete cycle of motion,
e.g. one complete to and fro motion of a
pendulum (A to B to C to D). B
C A
Procedure.
D
Ah

1. The pendulum should be 40cm long - adjust


if necessary. Measure from the centre
of the pendulum bob.
2. Place a pointer, called a fiducial
marker, in line with the pendulum bob
m

when it is at rest.
3. Set the bob in small amplitude motion
ed

by displacing it from its rest position


and then releasing it.
4. Begin a count down (3, 2, 1, 0) of the
number of oscillations as the bob
passes the fiducial marker, moving
Ac

from left to right.


5. Start the stopwatch as the bob passes
the fiducial marker on the count of 0.
6. Stop the watch as the bob passes the
ad

fiducial marker on the 20th count.


7. Take four more readings for 20T.
8. Calculate a mean value for 20T.
em

Reading 1 2 3 4 5 Mean

20 T (s)
y

9. Now calculate the period, T.

Time for one oscillation, T = ………………………..


1
10. Now use the formula f  to calculate the frequency of oscillation, f.
T

………………………………………………………………………………….
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 4
Time Period for a pendulum
A student carried out an investigation to find how the period of a pendulum changes
with its length. The data obtained by the student is shown in the following table.

Length of Time for 50 oscillations Mean time


(s) for 50 Period
pendulum
(cm) oscillations T (s)
Ah
t1 t2 t3 (s)
31.3 56.1 56.0 56.2
45.0 67.3 67.2 67.2
58.6 76.4 76.6 78.6
76.2 87.4 87.2 87.4
m
88.9 94.4 94.5 94.3
99.6 99.7 99.7 99.8
ed
1. What is the independent variable in this experiment? …………………………..
2. What is the dependent variable in this experiment? ……………………………..
3. What is the range of the independent variable? …………………………………
Ac
4. What was the precision of :
a. The metre rule used to measure the length of the pendulum? …………….
b. The stop watch used to time the oscillations? …………………………….
ad
5. Circle any anomalous results.
6. Complete the table by calculating:
em
a. the mean time taken for 50 oscillations
b. the period, i.e. the time taken for one oscillation.
7. Use a sharp pencil and ruler to help you to plot a graph of Period (y-axis) against
Length of pendulum (x-axis).
y
8. Use your graph to find the length of pendulum with a period of :
a. 1.4 s ……………………………….
b. 1.8 s ……………………………….

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 5


Types of Errors

Parallax error
This is when you measure something from the wrong _ _ _ _ _ .

(Who measures the length correctly?)

Alison Ben Chris


Ah
m

length
ed

Draw a straight line from the centre of each eye to the edge of the object being
measured. Note the readings obtained by Alison, Ben & Chris.
Ac

Alison’s reading ……………………………………cm

Ben’s reading ………………………………………cm


ad

Chris’s reading ………………………………………cm

Why do they all get different readings?.…………………………………………


Which is the most accurate reading?.……………………………………………
em

How could you remove the possibility of parallax error altogether?


……………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………….
y

Systematic error

We say that there is a systematic error in the readings if


they are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ higher or lower than
the true value. The closer the reading is to the true
value the smaller the systematic error.

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 6


How might a systematic error occur with a rule? (Think about the difference
between a rule and a ruler).
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Zero error

This type of systematic error is called a zero error. The measurements taken
using a rule with a worn end will always be _ _ _ _ _ _ than the true value.
Ah

How could you still use the same metre rule but avoid zero error?
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
m

Random error

If we repeat a measurement, we never get exactly


ed

the same result. The difference between the


measured and “true” value varies each time a
reading is taken in an _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ac

way. The smaller the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , the


smaller the random error.
Random error can be caused by:
ad

 _ _ _ _ _ error e.g. reaction time in starting and stopping a stopwatch, or


 Poor _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ e.g. failing to use a timing mark with a stopwatch.

em

Reliability
A measurement is said to be reliable if the _ _ _ _ _ _ of repeat readings is
very narrow or if another person, technique or instrument gives the same (or
y

very similar) result.

Anomalous result
An anomalous result is a measurement that does not _ _ _ the trend or pattern
shown by the other results. The mean is the _ _ _ of the values divide by the
number of values. (Don’t include anomalous results)

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 7


Measuring Length Practical
Use a ½ metre rule to measure the vertical distance between the top two
lines on the right hand side of this sheet.

Vertical distance between top two lines = ……………….. mm 

Now measure the vertical separation between the very top line and the
very bottom line.
Ah

Vertical distance between top and bottom lines = ……….. mm

Count the number of spaces or gaps between the top line and the bottom
m

line.

Number of spaces = ………………………….


ed

Calculate the mean distance between neighbouring lines, i.e. the mean
separation. N.B. You should give an answer to the same number of
significant figures as your measurement.
Ac

Distance between top and bottom lines


Mean separation 
Number of spaces
ad

 (working)
em

= …………… 
(answer to correct number of S.F. with unit)
y

How has finding the mean separation of many spaces improved your
answer? How does answer  compare with answer  ?

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 8


Measuring Length
1. Use a ruler to measure the width and height of the rectangular box which
surrounds this question.
Your answers should reflect the precision of the ruler. Don’t forget the unit.

Width = …………………… Height = ………………………


Ah

2. Measure the pin spacing on a standard three pin plug (not socket). Do not
measure the pin spacing on the diagram.

a = ………………..
m

a
b = ………………..
ed

b c = ………………..
c
Ac

3. a) How many individual sheets of paper (not sides) are there in your school
planner? (Do not count the plastic or card covers, just the paper pages)
ad

……………………..
b) Use a ruler to measure the thickness of all of the sheets of paper (do not
include the covers)
em

……………………….
c) Showing your full working, calculate the mean (average) thickness of
one paper page in your planner.

……………………………………………………………………………
y

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 9


Measuring the mass of a glass marble
Use an electronic balance to measure the mass of the number of marbles shown in
the table below.
Don’t forget to:
 zero the balance
 place the balance on a firm, level surface
Ah

Number of marbles Total mass (g) Mean mass (g)

1
m

10
ed

20

40
Ac

Which, do you think, is the most accurate value for the mass of a marble?
ad

…………………………………………………………………………………….

Justify your answer.


em

…………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………….
y

What assumption has been made about the marbles?

…………………………………………………………………………………….

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 10


Measurements Questions
1. The diagram shows a row of identical spheres. Take a suitable measurement to
enable you to calculate, as accurately as you can, the diameter of each sphere.

…………………………………….………………………………….……….
…………………………………….………………………………….……….
Ah

…………………………………….………………………………….……….

…………………………………….………………………………….……….
m

2. The following questions are about the measuring instruments shown below.

a) What is the name of these instruments?


A B
ed

…………………………………………

b) What quantity are they used to measure?

…………………………………………
Ac

c) What is the unit of this quantity?


…………………………………………
ad

d) What is the precision of each instrument?

A: ……………………………………
em

B: ……………………………………

e) What is the range of each instrument?

A: ……………………………………
y

B: ……………………………………

f) What is the reading on each instrument?

A: ……………………………………

B: ……………………………………

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 11


3. You are asked to measure the Measurement number Mass in Grams
mass of a wooden block using a
top-pan balance: 1 39.97
2 40.06
You report your average mass, 3 39.98
which is 40.00g. Your teacher
then informs you, however, that 4 39.97
the actual mass is 45.00g. 5 40.02

a. What can you conclude about the precision of your measurements?

………………………………………………………………………………………….
Ah

b. What can you conclude about the accuracy of your measurements?

………………………………………………………………………………………….
m

c. What could you blame for the fact that your reported mass was too low by
about 11%?

………………………………………………………………………………………….
ed

d. How might this type of error have been avoided?

………………………………………………………………………………………….
Ac

4. Some students are


asked to investigate the
effect of fertilizers on
bean plant growth.
ad

This chart shows their


results:
em

a) Identify the independent and dependent variables.

………………………………………………………………………………………….
y

b) What variables would need to be controlled

………………………………………………………………………………………….

c) What was the purpose of the “no fertilizer” sample

………………………………………………………………………………………….

d) How could the results have been made more reliable?


Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 12
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Measurements
1. A stopwatch is used to time a race. The diagrams show the watch at the start and at
the end of the race. How long did the race take?
Ah

_____________ _________________
m

2. Write the reading in the scale


ed
Ac

Reading _________________ Reading _________________


ad
3. The diagrams show the times on a stop-clock at the beginning and at the end of an
experiment.
How long did the experiment take?
em
y

____________ ____________

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 13


4. Find the volume of the water in the beaker
Ah
m
Volume _____________ Volume _____________
ed
5. Find the mass of the copper sulphate in the pan
Ac

Mass of Copper Sulphate _______________


ad

6. The thermometers in Figures show the temperature of two different beakers of


water. Record the temperature.
em
y
Reading ________________

Reading _________________
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 14
7. Write the reading on ammeters

-------------- -------------- -------------


Ah
8. A measuring cylinder contains some water. When a stone is put in the water, the
level rises. What is the volume of the stone?

A 50 cm3 B 70 cm3 C 75 cm3 D 125 cm3


m
ed
Ac
9. A string is wrapped 5 times round a beaker and marked as shown in Fig. 1
The string is held against a metre rule as shown in Fig.2.
ad
em

Fig 1 Fig 2

(i) Write down the length of the string between the marks. ........................cm
y
(ii) Calculate the circumference c of the beaker. ........................cm

(iii) Suggest one source of error in this method of determining the circumference.

................................................................................................................................
(iv) Suggest one improvement to this method.

.................................................................................................................................
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 15
10. Figure 1 shows the top part of a measuring cylinder containing some liquid.

(a) What is the volume of liquid in the measuring cylinder? .............................cm3

(b) Figure 1 indicates four ways the observer’s eye could


look when taking the reading from the measuring cylinder.
Put a circle around the eye position that gives the correct
reading.
Ah
(c) In order to fill the measuring cylinder up to the 100 cm3
mark, 80 drops of the liquid are added to the liquid already
in the measuring cylinder. Calculate the average volume of
one drop.
m
Figure 1
……………………………………………………….......................................................

……………………………………………………….......................................................
ed

11. A student uses a displacement method to determine the volume of a glass bead.
Fig.1 and Fig. 2 show how this was done.

(b) (i) Write down the values of the readings taken 1. ________ 2. __________
Ac
(ii) Calculate the volume of 225 glass beads. ..............................
ad
em
y

Fig 1 Fig 2
(iii) Calculate V, the average volume of one glass bead

V = .............................

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 16


Experimental Skills Revision
---1--- are often the starting point for an investigation. A ---2--- is a proposal intended
to explain certain facts or observations. A ---3--- is an intelligent guess, based on
some knowledge. An experiment is a way of ---4--- your prediction.
---5--- are physical, chemical or biological quantities or characteristics. In an
investigation, you normally choose ---6--- thing to change or vary. This is called the -
--7--- variable. When you change the independent variable, it may cause something
else to change, this is called the ---8--- variable. A control variable is one that is kept
Ah

the ---9--- during an investigation.


A ---10--- variable is one that is best described as a label. A ---11--- variable is one
that we measure so that its value could be any number.
If other people can get the same results as you, the experiment is ---12---. A
m

measurement is ---13--- if the original experimenter repeats the investigation and


obtains the same results. A measurement is ---14--- if it measures what it is supposed
to be measuring with an appropriate level of performance.
ed

A ---15--- is one in which only the independent variable affects the dependent
variable. Control groups allow you to make a ---16---. A ---17--- assessment must be
made when planning a practical investigation.
You can use a ---18--- run to make sure that you choose the best values for your
Ac

variables. The ---19--- states the maximum and minimum values of a variable. The ---
20--- is the gap between the values of a variable.
Accurate measurements are very close to the ---21--- value. You can get accurate
ad

results by ---22--- your measurements and carefully using high quality instruments
that measure correctly. A ---23--- measurement is one in which there is very little
spread about the mean value. ---24--- of a measuring instrument is the smallest
change in the quantity being measured that gives a perceptible change in the reading.
em

A ---25--- error has no clear pattern. A ---26--- error will cause results to differ from
the true value by a consistent amount each time a measurement is made. A ---27---
error is one kind of systematic error where the measuring instrument does not
measure from a zero reading. ---28--- results are clearly not following a pattern.
y

A bar chart is used to display ---29--- data. Line graphs are used to display data that
are ---30---.

Anomalous, Categoric, Categoric, Comparison, Continuous, Continuous, Dependent, Fair test,


Hypothesis, Independent, Interval, Observations, One, Precise, Prediction, Random, Range,
Repeatable, Repeating, Reproducible, Resolution, Risk, Same, Systematic, Testing, Trial, True, Valid,
Variables, Zero

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 17


Ah Glossary Crossword Extension

m
ed
Ac
ad
em

Across Down
5. a type of error due to human mistakes 1. a test in which only one independent
7. the ******* the divisions of a scale the variable is allowed to affect another
greater is the precision 2. a variable that should be kept constant
y

8. mean 3. found on a measuring device and


12. not correct many on a fish
14. an error 4. effect variable
16. a set of precise measurements has 6. a variable that can only have certain
very ****** spread about a mean value whole number values
17. minimum amount of data 9. something that can change
18. a dependent variable is one that 10. a consequence of an unfair test
is ******** by an independent one is ******* data
19. data that has been subject to some 11. a fair test can be achieved by keeping
form of validation most variables ********
22. results that are backed up by 13. a categoric variable that can be ranked
repeated experiments 15. a continuous variable can
23. data is a ********** of measurements have *** numerical value
24. the value of something 20. cause variable
25. a measurement has more ******** 21. using different metals would be
if it is close to the true value using this type of variable
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 18
Density This is a recap - you have done density before

Mass is a property of an _ _ _ _ _ _ , but density is the property of a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Gold is a _ _ _ _ density material; a block of gold is _ _ _ _ _ for its size.


Polystyrene is a _ _ _ density material; a block of polystyrene is _ _ _ _ _ for its
size.
Ah
m
Density is defined as the _ _ _ _ per unit _ _ _ _ _ _ . 
v
mass V
m
density 
volume
m
ed

The S.I. units for density are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


Ac
_ _ _ _ _ . In some texts, you will find some densities given in
_ _ _ _ _ per centimetre cubed.

You need to use the _. _ . unit for all calculations.


ad

To convert you will need the following conversion: 1 g/cm3 = kg/m3


em

The density of a
material depends on
the temperature. As
y
the temperature
increases, the density
_________.

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 19


For gases, the density also depends on the pressure. As the pressure increases, the
density _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
Ah
m
ed

Wood (spruce)
Polyethylene
Paraffin wax
Aluminium

Concrete

Mercury

Perspex
Copper

Marble

Material

Water
Brass

Slate

Steel
Lead
Iron

Density (kg/m3) 2710 8500 2600 8900 7870 11300 2600 13600 900 1190 1000 2750 7860 1000 600
Ac
14

13

12
ad
11
Density (g/cm3)

10

8
em
7

3
y
2

0
Aluminium

Polyethylene

Slate
Perspex
Paraffin wax

Steel

Water
Iron

Marble
Concrete

Lead
Brass

Mercury
Copper

Wood (spruce)

Material

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 20


Density
Show your working and give an answer to a sensible number of significant figures and
don’t forget the unit.

1. A gold bar has dimensions 4.9cm x 2.2cm x 1.2cm and a mass of 250g. Use this
information to calculate:
Ah
a. the volume of the gold bar.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
b. the density of gold.
m
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
ed
2. A fish tank has dimensions 19cm x 32cm x 22cm and is filled with water of
density 1.0g/cm3. Use this information to calculate:
a. the volume of the water.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ac
………………………………………………………………………………………
b. the mass of the water.
………………………………………………………………………………………
ad
………………………………………………………………………………………
3. The earth has a radius of 6.40 x 106 m.
a. The volume of a sphere is given by the equation: Volume = 4/3 π x radius3, use
em
this equation to calculate the volume of the Earth.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
y
b. Use your answer to part a) and the fact that the mass of the Earth is
6.00 x 1024 kg to calculate the average density.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 21


Density Questions
1. Figure shows a pile of 15 glass microscope slides, drawn actual size.
(a) (i) On the diagram below, use your rule to measure h, the height in mm of the pile of slides.
Ah
h = ...........................

(ii) Calculate the thickness t of one slide.


t = ............................
m
(iii) The surface area A of each slide is 12cm2. Calculate the volume V of one slide

V = ...........................
ed
(iv) The mass of one microscope slide is 3.7 g. Calculate the density d of the glass, in
g/cm3.

d = …………………….
Ac
2. In an experiment to find the density of some oil, a student takes the following readings.
ad

Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3


Mass of empty jug = 610g Mass of jug with 500cm3 of oil = 1020g
em
(a) (i) Calculate the mass of oil in the jug.
mass of oil =........................ g

(ii) Calculate the density of the oil.


density of oil =........................
y
(iii) How could the volume of the oil be more accurately measured than with the
measuring jug?
...............................................................................................................................

(b) Water is denser than oil.


On Fig. 3, mark approximately where the surface of the same mass of water would be
if it replaced the oil.

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 22


3. A shop-keeper places two identical
blocks of cheese on a set of scales
and notices that their combined mass
is 240 g. Each block measures 2.0
cm x 5.0 cm x 10.0 cm.

What is the density of the cheese?

A 0.42 g / cm3 B 0.83 g / cm3 C 1.2 g / cm3 D 2.4 g / cm3


Ah
4. The masses of a measuring cylinder before and after pouring some liquid into it are shown in the
diagram. What is the density of the liquid?

120 100 120 140


A g / cm 3 B g / cm 3 C g / cm 3 D g / cm 3
m
100 140 180 180
ed
Ac

5. The same mass of four different liquids is placed in some measuring cylinders.
ad
Which measuring cylinder contains the liquid with the greatest density?
em
y

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 23


Measuring Density
Regular Solids
1. Select a block and decide what
material it is made from.

2. Use a ½ metre rule to measure the dimensions of the block in centimetres.


Ah
3. Calculate the volume of the block.

4. Use balance to measure the mass of the block.


m
5. Calculate the density of the material.

Mass Length Breadth Width Volume Density


Material
ed
(g ) (cm ) (cm ) (cm ) (cm3 ) (g/cm3 )

Iron

Aluminium
Ac

Lead

Wood
ad

Perspex
em
Slate

Marble

Brass
y

Would it be better to present your results as a bar chart or a line graph? Why?

…………………………………………………………………………………….....

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 24


Irregular Solids
1. Use a balance to measure
the mass of the object.

2. Approximately half fill a


measuring cylinder with
water. Note the volume of
water. You take the level of
Ah
the water to be at the
bottom of the meniscus (the
curved surface).
m
3. Gently lower the object into the water. It must be fully submerged. Note the
new reading on the measuring cylinder.
ed
4. The volume of the object is equal to the volume of the water displaced (the
difference between the two readings).

5. Calculate the density of the material from which the object is made.
Ac
Results

Mass of object = ……………….………………….


ad
Initial reading on measuring cylinder = …………………..

Final reading on measuring cylinder = …………………..


em
Volume of object= ………………………………..
y
Density of material = --------------------------------------------- (working)

= …………………………… (value & unit)

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 25


Name : ………………….
Graph Plotting : Mass and Volume
Before you begin this work you should read the printed notes you have been
given on graph plotting and finding gradients.

Volume (cm3) Mass (g) The table shows the results from an experiment
20 52 in which the volumes and masses of different
40 104 samples of marble were measured.
60 156 On the graph paper provided and with the aid
of a sharp pencil and a 30cm ruler, plot a
Ah

80 208
100 260 graph of volume on the horizontal axis (x-axis)
120 312 against mass on the vertical (y-axis),
140 364 starting both axes at 0. Now draw the best-fit
160 416 line for these points.
m

1. Use your graph to find the mass of a sample of marble of volume:


ed

a) 36 cm3: ………….. b) 72 cm3: ………….. c) 108 cm3: …………..

2. Use your graph to find the volume of a sample of marble of mass


Ac

a) 125 g : ………….. b) 250 g : …………. c) 375 g : ………………

3. Mark, in pencil, two widely spaced points on your graph line and label these
ad

points 'A' and 'B'.

4. Record the coordinates of these two points.


Coordinates of point 'A': ( , ) Coordinates of point 'B': ( , )
em

5. Now, starting with a word equation and using the coordinates of points 'A' and
'B' calculate the gradient of the graph line. Don't forget the unit!
.................................................................................................................................
y

.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................

6. What do you think the gradient represents ? .........................................................

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 26


Density and Buoyancy – Extension Question
Archimedes principle is used to explain buoyancy and why things float. Archimedes
principle states that any objects (such as a brick) immersed in a fluid (such as water)
experiences an upthrust (U) equal to the weight of fluid displaced.
Upthust = Weight of fluid displaced
Consider a float, in the form of a cube, secured to the bottom of a deep pool of fresh
water by a rope.

mass
Length of each side = 20 cm
density 
Ah

Density of float material = 400 kg/m3


Density of fresh water = 1000 kg/m3 volume
a) Calculate the weight of the float
m

b) Calculate the weight of the water displaced

c) Calculate the tension in the rope


ed

d) The rope now breaks. Calculate the initial acceleration of the float
Ac
ad
em
y

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 27


Speed and Velocity
Velocity is _ _ _ _ _ in a given direction.
e.g. 20 m/s _______. 50 km/h _____.

distance
The speed of an object is given by the equation: average speed =
time
displacement
The velocity of an object is given by the average velocity =
time
Ah

equation:

v= Displacement (s) Time (t) Velocity (v)


m

s=
ed

t=

Calculating my average walking speed


If I walk a distance of ______________ metres in a time of _____________ seconds,
Ac

then my average walking speed is:


distance
average speed =  ....................m / s
time
ad

If you continue to walk at this speed, how far would you travel if you continued in a
straight line for one minute?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
em

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
How far would you travel in one hour?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
y

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
How far would you travel in one day?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
How long would it take you to walk from Manchester to Paris? (The distance is 666 km)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 28


Practice calculations
1. A 400m runner completes one lap in a
time of 51.6 seconds.
a. What is the distance travelled?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
b. What is her total displacement?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
c. What is her average speed?
Ah

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
d. What is her average velocity?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
m

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
ed

2. A super tanker travels at a speed of about 40 km/h. What distance could it travel in
one day?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ac

3. Two cars are driving in the same direction. Car A is travelling at 40 m/s and car B is
travelling at 25 m/s. After 5 minutes, what is the distance between the two cars?
ad

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
em

4. The same two cars from question 3 are now travelling at the same speed as before
but in opposite directions, towards each other, they start 1 km apart. How far will
they be from each other after 10 seconds?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
y

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

5. The diameter of the Earth is 12733 kilometres and the speed of light is 3.0 ×108 m/s.
How many times can light travel around the Earth in one second?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 29
Distance to the Sun – Extension Question
The distance from Earth to the Sun can be accurately calculated by measuring the
distance from Earth to Venus when exactly half of Venus is visible as seen from Earth.
The angle between Venus and the Sun as seen from Earth is then measured.

(a) Draw a labelled diagram to show the relative positions of Earth, Venus and the Sun
when exactly half of Venus is visible from Earth.

(b) State the angle between a line drawn from the Sun to Venus and a second line
drawn from Earth to Venus. (i.e. the angle between Earth and the Sun as seen from
Ah

Venus)

(c) The distance to Venus is measured by accurately timing how long it takes a radar
beam to bounce off Venus and return to Earth. Given that the speed of the radar beam
m

is 2.9979 x108 m/s and the 'echo' of the radar signal is detected 692.43 s after being
transmitted, calculate the distance to Venus.
ed

(d) Suggest a reason why the distance to the Sun cannot be measured using radar.

Astronomical angles are measured in fractions of a degree called minutes and seconds.
1 degree = 60 minutes of angle
1 minute = 60 seconds of angle
Ac

The angle between the Sun and Venus is measured to be:


46 degrees 12 minutes 49 seconds (46o 12' 49'')

(e) Express the angle in decimal form.


ad

(f) Calculate the distance from Earth to the Sun in km.


em
y

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 30


Distance – time Graphs
A horizontal graph line on a distance-time graph shows

Distance
that the object is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

0
Time

A straight line shows that the object is moving with a


Ah

Distance
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ speed.
The gradient of a distance – time graph is equal to the
_ _ _ _ _ of the object.
m

0
Time
ed

The steeper the graph line the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ its gradient.


Distance
The greater the gradient of the graph line the greater the
Ac

_ _ _ _ _ of the object.

0
Time
ad

The graph line is getting _ _ _ _ _ _ _


Distance

The gradient is getting _ _ _ _ _ _ _


em

The speed of the object is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The object is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
0
Time
y

The graph line is getting _ _ _ _ steep


Distance

The gradient is getting _ _ _ _ _ _ _


The speed of the object is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The object is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
0
Time
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 31
Distance-time graphs
50
B C

40
Distance (m)

30
Ah

20

A
m

10
ed

0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Time (s)
1. Describe, without calculation, the motion of the object in sections of the graph:
Ac

a) OA …………………………………………….…………………...
b) AB …………………………………….…………………………...
c) BC …………………………….…………………………………...
ad

2. Calculate the speed of the object in the section OA of the graph.


…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...
em

…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...
y

3. Calculate the speed of the object in the section AB of the graph.


…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 32


Distance-time graph
50

40
Distance (m)

30
Ah

20
m

10
ed

0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Time (s)
1. Describe the motion of object in the following sections of the graph:
Ac

a) 0 to 2 seconds …………………………………………….…………………...
b) 2 to 4 seconds …………………………………….…………………………...
c) 4 to 8 seconds …………………………….…………………………………...
ad

d) 8 to 10 seconds …………...…………………………………………………...
e) 10 to 13 seconds …………...……….………………………………………...

2. What was the total distance travelled? ………………………………………..


em

3. Use the graph to calculate the speed of the object in the 4 to 8 second section.
Your method and working must be clear.
…………………………………………………………………………………...
y

…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...

4. Calculate the average speed for the first 10 seconds.


…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………...
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 33
Graph Plotting: Distance and Time
Answers to questions should be written in the spaces provided and not on the graph
paper. You will need a sharp pencil and a 30 cm ruler when plotting the graph.

A student carries out an experiment in which he measures the distance travelled by a


vehicle every 0.5 seconds. The results are shown in the table below:

Time (s) Distance (m)


0.5 7
1.0 14
Ah

1.5 20
2.0 28
2.5 36
3.0 37
3.5 49
m

4.0 56
4.5 62
5.0 70
ed

5.5 78
6.0 84

1. On the graph paper provided, plot a graph of time on the horizontal axis (x-axis)
against distance on the vertical axis (y-axis), starting both axes at 0.
Ac

2. With the aid of a sharp pencil and a 30 cm ruler, draw the best-fit line for these
points.
ad

3. Use your graph to find the distance travelled at the following times.

a) 1.2s …………… b) 4.2s ………………


em

4. Use your graph to find the time taken to travel the following distances.

b) 23m …………… b) 75m ………………


y

5. Calculate the gradient of your line of best fit.

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 34


Ticker Tape Timers
When a trolley is allowed to freely run down an inclined runway it will accelerate.
Ticker timer Ticker tape
Diagram 1
Trolley

12V a.c.
Runway Support power supply
25cm high
Bench
Ah

A ticker timer is a device which prints 50 dots onto a piece of ticker tape every
second, i.e. one dot every 0.02 seconds. If the ticker tape is attached to the trolley
m

then a pattern of dots, similar to that shown in figure 1, is produced.


Figure 1
ed

Measurements for a distance-time graph

 The first few printed dots are closely packed and are of not much use.
Ac

 Select a dot that has at least three clearly spaced dots before it and label this dot “0”,
see figure 2.
ad

 Number every 5th dot along the tape (i.e. at 0.1s intervals) up to at least dot 80.
 Measure the distance travelled after 0.1s, 0.2s, 0.3s, etc., i.e. measure S5, S10, S15, etc.
 Enter all measurements in a suitable table, see results section.
em

Figure 2
0 5 10

S5
S10
y

1. What does the gradient of a distance-time represent?


S

…………..…………..……………

2. Use the axes provided to sketch a distance-time for an

object moving with uniform (constant) acceleration,


whose velocity at time t=0 is non-zero. 0 t
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 35
Procedure Dot Time, Distance,

1. Set up the runway as shown in diagram Number t (s) S (cm)


1 and position the ticker timer at the top
0 0.0 0.0
end of the runway. Do not connect the
ticker timer to the power supply yet. 5

2. Place the trolley on the runway close to 10

the ticker timer; do not let it roll down 15


Ah

the runway.
20
3. Thread about 1.5m of ticker tape
25
through the timer and use adhesive tape
m

to fasten it to the back of the trolley. 30

4. Connect the ticker timer to the power 35


ed

supply and release the trolley, ensuring


40
that the tape runs freely through the
timer. 45
Ac

5. Stop the trolley before it hits the end 50


of the runway. 55
6. Disconnect the ticker timer.
ad

60
7. You will need one “good” tape per
65
person.
70
em

Results
75
Plot a distance-time graph for the trolley.
80
y

Analysis

1. Use the distance-time graph to determine the distance travelled by the trolley in the
time interval t = 0.5s to t = 1.0s:

S = …………………………………………………………………………………..

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 36


Velocity & Acceleration
If the velocity of an object is changing, it is said to be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
A cannon ball is dropped from the top of a tower, as it falls its velocity _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
In fact its velocity increases by _ _ m/s each and every second.
It accelerates at _ _ m/s2. time (s) velocity (m/s)
0 0
Complete the table.
1
Ah

Equation: 3

Acceleration can be calculated from the equation:


m

a=

Acceleration =  Δv =
ed

t=
Change in velocity time acceleration
Ac

The change in velocity is calculated using:

Change in velocity =
ad

Δv =
Calculation
em

A sports car initially travelling at 20 m/s increases its speed to 65 m/s in 7.2 s. Calculate
the acceleration.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
y

A rocket can accelerate at 20 m/s2. From takeoff, how long does it take to reach the
escape velocity of 11.2 kilometres per second?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Is the moon accelerating as it orbits the Earth?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 37
Acceleration Calculations

1. A car travels from rest to 65 m/s in 10 seconds, what is its acceleration?


…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
2. A car travels from rest to 56 m/s in 56 seconds, what is its acceleration?
Ah

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
m

3. A car is travelling at a steady speed of 76m/s and its velocity changes to


98m/s in two seconds, what is its acceleration?
ed

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Ac

4. A cyclist accelerates from 8 m/s to 2 m/s in 3 seconds. What is his


acceleration?
…………………………………………………………………………………
ad

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
5. On the moon, a falling stone accelerates at 1.6 m/s2; starting at rest, how
em

long would it take to reach 150 m/s?


…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
y

…………………………………………………………………………………
6. A space rocket travelling 3000 m/s at on its way to mars, accelerates at
9 m/s2 for 2 hours. What is the final speed?
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 38


An attempt to measure the acceleration caused by gravity
Apparatus:
1 x timer, 2 x metre rulers, 1 x medium size block of wood
Note: This experiment cannot be performed by an individual experimenter
Procedure:
1. Decide who will operate the timer. Do not change during the experiment.
2. The other member of the group should hold the block of wood at height 1 metre above the floor.
3. Using an agreed signal this person should release the block of wood while other member of the group
Ah

attempts to time how long it takes the block to reach the floor.
4. Repeat twice more and use the three timings to obtain the average time, t for the block to fall
by 1 metre.
m

5. Repeat the above for the following further heights: 0.5m; 0.8m; 1.2m; 1.5m; & 2.0m
6. Tabulate your results as shown in the table below. In addition calculate:
(i) the average speed (m/s) [This equals height / average time]
ed

(ii) the final speed (m/s) [This equals TWICE the average speed]
The table shows ideal results for two other heights. Do not copy these into your table.

Height of fall Times of fall Average time Average speed Final speed
Ac

(m) (s) of fall (s) (m/s) (m/s)


0.6 0.34 0.35 1.71 3.42
0.36
ad

0.35
1.7 0.59 0.58 2.93 5.86
0.57
em

0.58

7. Plot a graph of final speed [Y-axis] against average time [X-axis]. This should be a straight line.
8. Measure the gradient of this graph.
This should equal the acceleration caused by gravity and be about 10 m/s2.
y

9. Your result might be very different from that expected.


You may have not even obtained a straight line graph!
This is because the above procedure is a poor way of measuring gravitational acceleration.
State ways in which it is poor and suggest improvements in procedure (possible using different
equipment) that might allow a better value for the acceleration to be obtained.

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 39


Velocity-time graphs - 1
 The velocity of the object is _ _ _ changing
with time.
Velocity

 The graph line is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

 The object must be moving at a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

0 velocity.
Ah

Time

 The velocity of the object is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


with time.
m

 The object must be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .


Velocity

ed

 A straight line shows that the object is moving

with a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ acceleration.

0
 The _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of a Velocity – time graph
Ac

Time
is equal to the acceleration of the object.

 The steeper the graph line the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ its gradient.


ad

 The greater the gradient of the graph line the greater the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
of the object.
em

 The velocity of the object is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


with time.
y
Velocity

 The object must be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

0
Time

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 40


Ah
m
ed
Ac
ad
em
y

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 41


Velocity-time graphs - 2
8  Distance travelled = velocity  time =
......  .…. = ………
Velocity

 The is the “area” under the graph line =


(m/s)

height  width = .…..  .…. = ………

0 Time (s) 5   the area under the graph line is equal to the
Ah

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ travelled in metres.

8  Distance travelled = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ velocity  time


m

= ……………….  …. = ………
Velocity

 The “area” under the graph line =


ed
(m/s)

….  height  width = …..  …..  …. = ………

0 Time (s) 5
  the area under the graph line is equal to the

…………….……. travelled in metres.


Ac

Summary
 The area under a velocity (m/s) – time (s)
ad

graph has unit _ _ _ _ _ _ .


Velocity (m/s)

 The area under the graph line is equal to the


em

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ travelled.

 To calculate the area under the graph line,

divide it up into simple shapes, e.g.


y

0
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Time (s)
………………..
Calculate the distance travelled for the graph shown.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 42
Finding the gradient of a velocity-time graph
16

14

12
Ah
Velocity (m/s)

10

8
m

6
ed

0
Ac

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time (s)
ad

1. Draw two widely spaced pencil crosses () on the graph line, where it passes through the
em

intersection of the grid lines.

2. Note the coordinates of these points: ( , ) and ( , ).

3. Calculate the change in the velocity between these two points (Don’t forget the unit!):

Change in velocity = ……..… - …………. = ……………


y

4. Calculate the change in the time between these two points (Don’t forget the unit!):

Change in time = ……..… - …………. = ……………

Change in velocity
5. Gradient    ......................
Change in time

6. What does the gradient tell you? (Hint : Look at the unit). ……………………………….

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 43


Motion Graphs
1. Match the graphs with the statements:
Ah
m
ed

2. The graph represents part of the journey


Ac
of a car. What distance does the car travel
during this part of the journey?
…………………………………………..
ad
…………………….…………………....
…………………………………………..
em
…………………………………………..
3. A car accelerates from traffic lights.
The graph shows how the car’s speed
changes with time. How far does the car
y
travel before it reaches a steady speed?
…………………………………………
…………………………………………
…………………………………………
…………………………………………
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 44
Velocity–time graphs
1 Figure 1 shows the velocity–time graph for a car when it accelerated from rest at constant
acceleration. 10
8

Velocity in 6
m/s 4
2
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Figure 1
Ah

Time in seconds

a) How can you tell from the graph that the acceleration is constant?

.............................................................................................................................................
m

b) Calculate the acceleration of the car.

.............................................................................................................................................
ed

.............................................................................................................................................
c) How far does the car travel in 30 s?

.............................................................................................................................................
Ac

.............................................................................................................................................
2 Figure 2 shows the velocity–time graph for a car before and while its brakes were
ad

applied.

14
12
10
em

Velocity in 8
m/s 6
4
2
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Figure 2
y

Time in seconds

a) i) How long did the car travel at constant velocity for?


.......................................................................................................................................
ii) How far does it travel during this time?

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 45
b) i) How long did the car decelerate for?
.......................................................................................................................................
ii) How far did it travel in this time?

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
iii) Calculate the deceleration of the car.

.......................................................................................................................................
Ah

.......................................................................................................................................
3 The velocity of a car on a straight test track was measured and recorded. The table below
shows the measurements for the first minute after it started from rest.
m

Time (in s) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
ed

Velocity (in m/s) 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

a) Use the data above to plot a velocity–time graph for the car.
Ac

b) Calculate the acceleration of the car.

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
ad

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
em

c) i) What is represented by the area under the line of the graph?


.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
y

ii) Use your graph to find the distance travelled by the car in 60 s from the start.

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 46


Using Velocity-time graphs [Higher]

1 The figure below shows the velocity–time graph for a vehicle when it was accelerating.

30
25
20
Velocity in
15
m/s
Ah

10
5
0
m

0 5 10 15 20
Time in seconds
ed

a) Calculate the acceleration of the vehicle.

.............................................................................................................................................
Ac

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
b) i) Calculate the distance travelled by the vehicle in 20 s.
ad

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
em

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
y

ii) Calculate the average velocity of the vehicle.

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 47


2 The figure below shows the velocity–time graph for a car moving along a straight road.
25
20

velocity in 15
m/s 10
5
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
time in seconds
Ah

a) Describe the motion of the car for the period shown by the graph.

.............................................................................................................................................
m

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
ed

b) Calculate the acceleration of the car when it accelerated.

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
Ac

c) Calculate the distance travelled by the car:


i) in the first 10 s.
ad

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
em

ii) when it accelerated.

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
y

iii) in the last 10 s.

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
d) Calculate the average velocity of the car for the period shown.

.............................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 48
Distance and speed graphs
Ah
m
ed
Ac
ad
em
y

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 49


Describing motion – Extension Question
Relative velocity is the velocity of one object as observed from another object. For
example, if car A is travelling at 10 mph and car B is travelling, in the same direction,
at 15 mph then the velocity of car B relative to car A is 5mph. The driver of car A
observes car B moving ahead at 5 mph. Two cars are next to each other. They start
from rest and travel along a straight road in the same direction. Their subsequent
motion over the next 60 seconds is shown in the table below:

Car A Car B
Ah

Acceleration = 2 m/s2 for 10 seconds Acceleration = 2 m/s2 for 20 seconds

Acceleration = 0 m/s2 for 40 seconds Acceleration = 0 m/s2 for 10 seconds


m

Acceleration = -1 m/s2 for 10 seconds Acceleration = -3 m/s2 for 10 seconds

Acceleration = 0 m/s2 for 20 seconds


ed

a) Draw a velocity – time graph for the velocity of car B relative to car A, i.e. the
velocity of car B as observed by the driver of car A.
Add an appropriate scale to the velocity axis.
Ac
ad
em
y

b) What does the area under the graph represent?

c) Calculate the separation of the cars after 60 seconds.

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 50


Describing Motion Revision
Ah
m
ed
Ac
ad
em
y

Accelerating, Deceleration, Direction, Distance, Distance, kilometres, m/s, Metres, Miles, Rest, Scalar,
Second, Speed, Time, Time, Time, Uniform, Vector, Velocity, 3m/s2, 5s, 5m/s, 10m/s
Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 51
Ah
m
ed
Ac
ad
em
y

Accelerating, Different, Distance, Distances, Greater, Greater, Speeds, Steeper, Time

Mr Ahmed Notes goo.gl/2ogwfH 52

You might also like