Quick answer: On a distance-time graph the gradient is the speed, and a flat line means the object is stationary. This Physics 9-10 test on motion graphs has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: gradient meanings, a short trip and a velocity graph. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.
This test covers reading and interpreting distance-time and velocity-time graphs. Show all working, include units and use gradients and areas correctly. Calculators and rulers are allowed.
Level: Physics grades 9-10 (GCSE · IGCSE · O Level · Class 9-10) · Curriculum: IGCSE 1.2
Question 1 Gradient meanings (2 marks)
- State what the gradient of a distance-time graph represents. (1 mark)
- State what a horizontal line on a distance-time graph means. (1 mark)
Question 2 A short trip (3 marks)
The graph shows a trip along a path.- Calculate the speed in the first 5 s. (1 mark)
- Describe the motion from 5 s to 9 s. (1 mark)
- Calculate the speed from 9 s to 12 s. (1 mark)
Question 3 A velocity graph (3 marks)
The graph shows the motion of a handcart.- Calculate the acceleration in the first 5 s. (1 mark)
- Calculate the total distance travelled. (2 marks)
Question 4 Units of area (2 marks)
Explain why the area under a velocity-time graph gives a distance, by referring to the units of the two axes. (2 marks)Question 5 Speeding up then cruising (3 marks)
A tricycle accelerates uniformly from rest at 3.0 m/s² for 4.0 s and then travels at constant velocity for 5.0 s. Calculate the final speed of the acceleration, the distance in the first 4.0 s and the total distance. (3 marks)Question 6 Compare two runners (2 marks)
Runner P’s distance-time graph is a straight line through (0 s, 0 m) and (10 s, 60 m). Runner Q’s passes through (0 s, 0 m) and (10 s, 45 m). State which runner is faster and justify your answer with calculations. (2 marks)Question 7 Negative velocity (3 marks)
A glider’s velocity falls steadily from +6.0 m/s at 0 s to −6.0 m/s at 6.0 s.- Calculate its acceleration. (1 mark)
- State the time at which it is momentarily at rest. (1 mark)
- Explain what happens to its direction of motion at that time. (1 mark)
Question 8 Average speed from points (2 marks)
A cyclist is at 0 m at 0 s, 80 m at 20 s and 180 m at 50 s. Calculate her average speed for the whole 50 s. (2 marks)
