Motion calculations (a=(v–u)/t, v²−u²=2as & v=s/t)
I can choose and use different equations to calculate different motions.
Motion calculations (a=(v–u)/t, v²−u²=2as & v=s/t)
I can choose and use different equations to calculate different motions.
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 = 2as
- Different motion equations can be used to analyse motion based on information provided.
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.
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.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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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