Motion calculations (a=(v–u)/t, v²−u²=2ax & v=x/t)
I can choose and use different equations to calculate different motions.
Motion calculations (a=(v–u)/t, v²−u²=2ax & v=x/t)
I can choose and use different equations to calculate different motions.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Average velocity = distance travelled ÷ time
- Average acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time
- Average velocity = (initial velocity + final velocity) ÷ 2
- Combining equations for average acceleration and average velocity leads to the equation v² – u² = 2ax
- Different motion equations can be used to analyse motion based on information provided.
Keywords
Initial velocity - The initial velocity of an object is the velocity it starts with during a phase of motion.
Final velocity - The final velocity of an object is the velocity it finishes with after a phase of motion.
Average velocity - The average velocity of an object travelling in a straight line is the change in distance divided by the time taken.
Average acceleration - The average acceleration of an object is the change in velocity divided by the time taken.
Uniform acceleration - When the acceleration is constant, it is described as uniform acceleration.
Common misconception
Pupils often apply equations incorrectly or do not spot obvious errors when using them due to not thinking about the science.
Ask pupils to describe what happens for each example in relation to their answers to problems set.
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Motion calculations (a=(v–u)/t, v²−u²=2ax & v=x/t), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Motion calculations (a=(v–u)/t, v²−u²=2ax & 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 physics lessons from the Measuring and calculating motion unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
distance -
400 m
speed -
80 m/s
acceleration -
20 m/s²
Exit quiz
6 Questions
initial velocity, $$u$$ -
the velocity of an object at the start of a time period
final velocity, $$v$$ -
the velocity of an object at the end of a time period
average velocity -
the rate of change of displacement over a time period
average acceleration -
the rate of change of velocity over a time period