Physics: Speed, Velocity, and Motion

Flashcards covering key concepts on speed, velocity, motion graphs, stopping distances, and safety measures in vehicles.

What is speed in physics?

Speed is the measure of how fast something is travelling, a scalar quantity without direction.

How is speed calculated?

Speed is calculated as s = d / t, where s is speed, d is distance, and t is time.

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed is a scalar quantity while velocity is a vector quantity that includes direction.

What does the symbol 'v' represent in the context of velocity?

v represents velocity in meters per second (m/s).

What do distance-time graphs represent?

Distance-time graphs have time on the x-axis and distance on the y-axis, showing velocity through the gradient.

What does a negative gradient in a distance-time graph indicate?

A negative gradient indicates that the moving object is returning to the starting point.

What is the formula for acceleration?

Acceleration (a) is calculated as a = (v - u) / t, where v is final velocity, u is initial velocity, and t is time.

How can the distance travelled be found from a velocity-time graph?

The distance travelled can be calculated as the area under the curve of the graph.

What are the two components of stopping distance?

The two components are thinking distance and braking distance.

What affects the thinking distance of a vehicle?

Thinking distance is affected by the speed of the car and the reaction time of the driver.

What role do seatbelts play in a car during sudden braking?

Seatbelts strap passengers in and stretch slightly to increase the stopping distance, reducing deceleration.

What is the purpose of crumple zones in vehicles?

Crumple zones absorb energy upon impact, increasing the stopping time and reducing the force experienced by passengers.

How do airbags contribute to vehicle safety?

Airbags inflate during a crash, reducing the force on the neck by increasing the time taken for the head to stop moving.

What is Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion?

Newton’s 2nd Law states that the force (F) is equal to mass (m) times acceleration (a), expressed as F = ma.