Physics GCSE - Motion

Average walking pace

1.5m/s

Average running pace

3.0m/s

Average cycling pace

6.0m/s

Speed of sound in air

330m/s

How to calculate the instantaneous speed at a given time using a graph?

Draw a tangent to the graph at that point and find the gradient

Velocity

Speed in a given direction

How to find the distance travelled using a velocity time graph?

Velocity x time to find the area underneath the graph

v =

final velocity

u =

initial velocity

a =

acceleration

s =

distance

Constant velocity

Acceleration of 0m/s²

Standard speed limit for residential areas

30mph

Thinking distance

The distance a vehicle travels during the driver’s reaction time

Braking distance

The distance the vehicle travels while braking

Stopping distance

Thinking distance + braking distance

Factors that affect thinking distance

Tiredness, drugs, alcohol, speed

Factors that affect braking distance

Ice, rain, condition of tires + brakes, number of passengers