Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section
The difference between speed and velocity
20 practice questions
Practice questions
1–9 of 9 · Normal
Question 1
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A cyclist increases her speed from to in seconds. Calculate her acceleration.
Question 2
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which of the following describes velocity but not speed?
- A.Has a magnitude only
- B.Can be negative
- C.Measured in seconds
- D.Always constant
Question 3
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State the difference between speed and velocity.
Question 4
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The distance-time data for a moving object is shown below.
Time / s Distance / m 0.0 0.0 1.0 2.5 2.0 5.0 3.0 7.5 4.0 10.0 (a)[2 marks]Calculate the speed of the object.
(b)[1 mark]Give the correct unit for speed.
Question 5
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A car travels at a constant speed of 20 m/s north and then turns to travel 20 m/s east. Explain how its speed and velocity change.
Question 6
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A runner accelerates from rest to a speed of 6 m/s in 3 s.
(a)[1 mark]State the initial velocity of the runner.
(b)[2 marks]Calculate the acceleration.
(c)[1 mark]State the SI unit for acceleration.
Question 7
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A car slows down from 18 m/s to 6 m/s in 4 seconds. Calculate its acceleration.
Question 8
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain why velocity is a vector quantity but speed is a scalar quantity.
Question 9
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A boat travels at a constant speed of 5 m/s across a river that is 100 m wide. The current flows east at 3 m/s, and the boat points directly north (perpendicular to the current).
Explain the difference between the speed of the boat and its velocity as it crosses the river. Give your answer in terms of scalar and vector quantities, and describe the actual path of the boat across the river.