Measuring instantaneous speed practical (v=s/t)
I can accurately measure the instantaneous speed of a dynamics trolley.
Measuring instantaneous speed practical (v=s/t)
I can accurately measure the instantaneous speed of a dynamics trolley.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A dynamics trolley speeds up (accelerates) along the whole length of a steep ramp.
- Instantaneous speed is the average speed over a very short time period.
- Instantaneous speed can be estimated by measuring movement in a small time period.
- Anomalous readings should be repeated and replaced or removed from sets of repeat readings.
Keywords
Dynamics trolley - A dynamics trolley is a wheeled object used in experiments. It moves very smoothly over flat surfaces.
Average speed - The average speed is the total distance travelled divided by the total time for a journey.
Instantaneous speed - The instantaneous speed of an object is the speed at a particular moment in time.
Anomalous reading - An anomalous reading is a result which is significantly outside the pattern in a set of results.
Common misconception
When the trolley is released it speeds up quickly at the start and then rolls at a constant speed.
Show a video of an accelerating trolley in slow motion identifying the distance travelled in successive equal intervals of time.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Measuring instantaneous speed practical (v=s/t), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Measuring instantaneous speed practical (v=s/t), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Measuring and calculating motion unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the total distance travelled divided by the time taken
the speed of an object at a particular moment
a wheeled object used in motion experiments
a result which does not fit the pattern of a set of results