1.1 Use the following units: kilogram (kg), metre (m), metre/second (m/s), metre/second² (m/s²), newton (N), second (s), and newton/kilogram (N/kg).
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of movement and position, including how to describe and analyse motion using graphs and equations. Correct use of units is essential for all calculations and interpretations.
📊 1. Distance-Time Graphs
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1.3 Plot and explain distance-time graphs.
Distance-time graphs represent the motion of an object. The vertical axis shows distance from a starting point, and the horizontal axis shows time taken.
Interactive Distance-Time Graph
Click anywhere on the graph to add waypoints. The moving dot below shows what that motion looks like in real life.
Time
0.0 s
Distance
0.0 m
Speed
0.0 m/s
Status
Click graph to add points
Key interpretations:
A horizontal line means the object is stationary (not moving).
A straight, sloping line indicates constant speed. The steeper the slope, the faster the speed.
The gradient (slope) of a distance-time graph represents the speed.
A curved line indicates changing speed (acceleration or deceleration).
⚡ 2. Average Speed, Distance, and Time
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1.4 Know and use the relationship between average speed, distance moved and time taken.
Average speed is the total distance travelled divided by the total time taken.
Average Speed (v) = Distance Moved (d) ÷ Time Taken (t)
Units: m/s (metres per second)
Example: A car travels 150 metres in 10 seconds. Calculate its average speed.
Average Speed = 150 m ÷ 10 s = 15 m/s
Average Speed Calculator
🔬 3. Practical: Investigating Motion
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1.5 Practical: investigate the motion of everyday objects such as toy cars or tennis balls.
Investigating the motion of objects helps understand concepts like speed, acceleration, and the factors affecting them.
Ramp Experiment Simulation
Adjust the ramp angle and release the ball. Timing gates measure the speed on the flat surface.
Ramp Height
0.50 m
Speed at Bottom
-- m/s
Gate Time
-- s
Measured Speed
-- m/s
Practical Investigation: Motion of a Toy Car
Materials Required:
Toy car or tennis ball
Ramp (e.g., a wooden plank)
Metre ruler or tape measure
Stopwatch
Light gates and data logger (optional, for accuracy)
Markers or chalk
Method:
1
Set up a ramp. Mark a starting line at the top of the ramp.
2
At the bottom of the ramp, mark a "start" point (A) and an "end" point (B) on a flat surface, a measured distance apart (e.g., 1 metre).
3
Release the toy car from the starting line. Start the stopwatch when the front of the car passes Point A and stop it at Point B.
4
Record the distance between A and B, and the time taken.
5
Repeat the measurement 3-5 times and calculate the average time.
6
Calculate the average speed using: Average Speed = Distance ÷ Average Time.
⚠️ Considerations: Ensure consistent release of the car. Minimise parallax error when reading measurements. Discuss sources of error (e.g., reaction time with stopwatch, friction).
🚀 4. Acceleration
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1.6 Know and use the relationship between acceleration, change in velocity and time taken.
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. It tells us how quickly an object's velocity is changing.
Acceleration (a) = Change in Velocity (Δv) ÷ Time Taken (t)
a = (v − u) / t
Units: m/s² (metres per second squared)
Example: A cyclist accelerates from 2 m/s to 8 m/s in 3 seconds.
Δv = 8 − 2 = 6 m/s → a = 6 ÷ 3 = 2 m/s²
Acceleration Calculator
📈 5. Velocity-Time Graphs
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1.7 Plot and explain velocity-time graphs.
1.8 Determine acceleration from the gradient of a velocity-time graph.
1.9 Determine the distance travelled from the area between a velocity-time graph and the time axis.
Velocity-time graphs show how velocity changes over time. They encode both acceleration (gradient) and distance (area under the curve).
Interactive Velocity-Time Graph
Click on the graph to add velocity waypoints. The shaded area shows total distance, and the gradient shows acceleration.
Time
0.0 s
Velocity
0.0 m/s
Acceleration
0.0 m/s²
Distance (Area)
0.0 m
Key interpretations:
A horizontal line = constant velocity (zero acceleration).
A positive gradient (upward slope) = acceleration.
A negative gradient (downward slope) = deceleration.
The area under the graph = distance travelled.
Gradient Example: Velocity increases from 0 to 10 m/s in 5 s → gradient = (10−0)/5 = 2 m/s²
Area Example: Constant 5 m/s for 4 s → area = 5 × 4 = 20 m
🧪 Motion Lab: Combined Simulator
Watch a car move in real time while both distance-time and velocity-time graphs are drawn simultaneously. Adjust initial velocity and acceleration to see the effect on both graphs.
📊 Distance-Time Graph
📈 Velocity-Time Graph
Time
0.0 s
Distance
0.0 m
Velocity
0.0 m/s
Acceleration
2.0 m/s²
🧮 6. Equation of Motion (v² = u² + 2as)
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1.10 Use the relationship: (final speed)² = (initial speed)² + (2 × acceleration × distance moved).
This equation relates initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), acceleration (a), and distance (s) for constant acceleration:
v² = u² + 2as
v = final velocity (m/s)
u = initial velocity (m/s)
a = acceleration (m/s²)
s = distance moved (m)
Example: A car starts from rest (u = 0) and accelerates at 2 m/s² over 50 m.
v² = 0 + 2(2)(50) = 200 → v = √200 ≈ 14.14 m/s
SUVAT Calculator
Select which variable to find:
📝 Knowledge Check
Test your understanding of the key concepts covered in this module.