Quick answer: On a distance-time graph the gradient is the speed and a flat line means stopped. This grade 8 science test on motion graphs has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 40 minutes: meaning of the gradient, mei’s walk and a lorry journey. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.
This test has eight questions on distance-time graphs, speed-time graphs and acceleration and is worth 20 marks. Show the formula and the substitution for each calculation and write units with every answer.
Level: Grade 8 science (Year 9 · Class 8) · Curriculum: MS-PS2-2
Question 1 Meaning of the gradient (2 marks)
- State what the gradient of a distance-time graph represents. (1 mark)
- State what the gradient of a speed-time graph represents. (1 mark)
Question 2 Mei’s walk (4 marks)
Mei walks along a path. The graph shows her distance from home.- State her distance from home after 40 s. (1 mark)
- Calculate her speed in the first 20 s. (1 mark)
- State how long she is stationary. (1 mark)
- Calculate her speed in the last 20 s. (1 mark)
Question 3 A lorry journey (4 marks)
The graph shows the speed of a lorry.- Calculate the acceleration in the first 10 s. (1 mark)
- Calculate the deceleration in the last 5 s. (1 mark)
- Calculate the total distance travelled using areas. (2 marks)
Question 4 A cyclist speeds up (2 marks)
A cyclist increases speed from 3.0 m/s to 9.0 m/s in 4.0 s. Calculate the acceleration. (2 marks)Question 5 Describe the graph (2 marks)
Describe what each graph shows. (2 marks)- A horizontal line on a speed-time graph.
- A horizontal line on a distance-time graph.
Question 6 Average speed (3 marks)
Chiamaka walks 2.4 km in 20 minutes.- Convert the distance and time to metres and seconds. (1 mark)
- Calculate the average speed in m/s. (1 mark)
- Convert the speed to km/h. (1 mark)
Question 7 Braking (2 marks)
A car travelling at 25 m/s brakes to rest in 5.0 s. Calculate the deceleration. (2 marks)Question 8 Speed and velocity (1 mark)
State one difference between speed and velocity. (1 mark)
