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Year 10 - Science

Calculating from velocity-time graphs (a=(v-u)/t)

Measuring and calculating motion

Unit Summary

This unit covers vector-scalar distinctions in displacement, distance, velocity, and speed. It explores speeds, acceleration, motion graphs, and formulas for uniform and non-uniform motion. It also includes understanding circular motion and conducting accurate measurements, and calculations.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to read information from velocity-time graphs and calculate acceleration.

Key Notes

  • A velocity-time graph shows how velocity changes with time.
  • Acceleration is equal to the gradient of a velocity-time graph.
  • A falling line shows decreasing velocity called deceleration, which is a negative acceleration.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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.
  • acceleration: The acceleration of an object is the rate of change of velocity. This is how much the velocity changes per second.
  • deceleration: Deceleration is used to describe a change in velocity where the object slows down.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils often consider time in the acceleration equation to be moment in time (perhaps read from a graph) rather than a change in time.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

A velocity-time graph shows how velocity changes with time. Acceleration is equal to the gradient of a velocity-time graph.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'displacement-time graph'

A displacement-time graph shows the displacement of an object over a period of time. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils often consider time in the acceleration equation to be moment in time (perhaps read from a graph) rather than a change in time. Correction: Label the value of t in the acceleration as a change of time rather than just time.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Science guide library.