Calculating from motion graphs (a=(v–u)/t and v=x/t)
I can take readings from motion graphs to calculate distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration.
Calculating from motion graphs (a=(v–u)/t and v=x/t)
I can take readings from motion graphs to calculate distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A displacement–time graph shows how displacement changes with time.
- A velocity–time graph shows how velocity changes with time.
- Displacement–time and velocity–time graphs of the same motion have different shapes.
- Acceleration is equal to the gradient of a velocity–time graph.
- A falling line shows deceleration (decreasing velocity) which is a negative acceleration.
Keywords
Displacement–time graph - A displacement–time graph shows the displacement of an object over a period of time.
Velocity–time graph - A velocity–time graph shows the velocity of an object over a period of time.
Velocity - The velocity of an object is the rate of change of displacement. This is how fast it is moving in a particular direction.
Acceleration - The acceleration of an object is the rate of change of velocity. This is how much the velocity changes per second.
Common misconception
Pupils often confuse displacement–time graphs with velocity–time graphs.
Emphasise the need for pupils to always read the axes of a graph first, before they start to think about any lines drawn on it.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Calculating from motion graphs (a=(v–u)/t and v=x/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: Calculating from motion graphs (a=(v–u)/t and v=x/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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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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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.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
mass -
kilogram (kg)
velocity -
metres per second (m/s)
displacement -
metres (m)
time -
seconds (s)
acceleration -
metres per second squared (m/s$$^2$$)
Exit quiz
6 Questions
displacement-time graph -
this shows the displacement of an object over a period of time
velocity-time graph -
this shows the velocity of an object over a period of time
acceleration -
the rate of change of velocity
velocity -
the rate of change of displacement
