Kinematics OCR A Level Physics

These flashcards cover key concepts related to kinematics in OCR A Level Physics, including definitions, properties of graphs, and calculations related to displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

What is the definition of displacement in physics?

The distance of an object from a fixed point in a specified direction.

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed is a scalar quantity measuring the total distance travelled per unit of time, while velocity is a vector quantity that includes both speed and direction.

How do you find instantaneous velocity on a displacement-time graph?

Draw a tangent at the required time and calculate the gradient of that tangent.

What does the gradient represent on a displacement-time graph?

The gradient (or slope) equals velocity.

What does a horizontal line represent on a displacement-time graph?

A horizontal line (zero slope) represents a state of rest.

What is average speed defined as?

Average speed is the total distance divided by the total time.

On a velocity-time graph, what does the slope represent?

The slope equals acceleration.

What does the area under a velocity-time graph represent?

The area under the curve equals the displacement or distance travelled.

What happens to the velocity of a ball at its highest point during a bounce?

The ball momentarily has zero velocity.

What are the three types of graphs that can represent motion?

Displacement-time graphs, velocity-time graphs, and acceleration-time graphs.

What is the formula for calculating average speed?

Average speed = total distance ÷ total time.

On an acceleration-time graph, what does a horizontal line indicate?

A horizontal line (zero slope) represents an object undergoing constant acceleration.

How does the gradient of an acceleration-time graph relate to velocity?

The area under an acceleration-time graph is the change in velocity.

What indicates a negative velocity on a displacement-time graph?

A negative gradient indicates that the object is moving backwards.

What is acceleration defined as?

Acceleration is any change in the velocity of an object in a given time.