Edexcel IAL Physics A-level Topic 1.3: Mechanics Equations of Motion Quiz

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What are the equations of motion for an object moving at uniform acceleration?

s = ( u+v )t / 2, v = u + at, s = ut + at^2 / 2, v^2 = u^2 + 2as

How can you approach questions that require the use of the equations of motion?

Write out the known values and the ones you want to find out in order to choose the correct formula more easily.

What are the known and unknown values in the example of a stone being dropped from a bridge?

Known: u = 0 m/s, s = 50 m, a = 9.81 m/s^2. Unknown: v and t.

How do you find the final velocity (v) of the stone in the example?

v = 31.3 m/s Signup and view all the answers

What is the time (t) for which the stone falls in the example?

t = 3.19 s Signup and view all the answers

Why is it assumed that the initial velocity of the stone in the example is zero?

Because the stone is dropped from rest. Signup and view all the answers

What is displacement?

The overall distance travelled from the starting position, including a direction. Signup and view all the answers

Define instantaneous velocity.

The velocity of an object at a specific point in time. Signup and view all the answers

What does the area under an acceleration-time graph represent?

The change in velocity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between distance and displacement.

Distance is a scalar quantity describing the amount of ground covered, while displacement includes a direction and is a vector quantity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the gradient of a velocity-time graph?

Acceleration. Signup and view all the answers

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

Displacement. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of uniform acceleration.

Uniform acceleration is where the acceleration of an object is constant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between average velocity and instantaneous velocity?

Average velocity is the velocity of an object over a specified time frame, whereas instantaneous velocity is the velocity of an object at a specific point in time. Signup and view all the answers

What quantities are described as vectors?

Displacement, velocity, force/weight, acceleration. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by resolving a vector?

Resolving a vector is where you split it into two parts which are perpendicular to each other, its vertical and horizontal components. Signup and view all the answers

Equations of motion

s = (u+v)t/2, v = u + at, s = ut + (at^2)/2, v^2 = u^2 + 2as

Problem-solving approach

List known values and unknowns to select the right equation.