Forces and Motion

A ball rolls down a ramp, starting from rest. The velocity–time graph for the first 4 seconds is a straight line from (0, 0) to (4, 8).

Explain why the area under a velocity–time graph is sometimes a triangle and sometimes a rectangle. Give an example of each case.

A walker starts at 2 m/s and walks at this speed for 6 seconds, then stops instantly. Calculate the total distance travelled, and state which shape under the velocity–time graph you used.

A child on a scooter starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at 2 m/s² over a distance of 8 m. Calculate the speed she is travelling at the end of the 8 m.

A physics student says: “If an object travels with constant acceleration, you can always use the equation to solve for any one of the variables.” Explain one limitation of this equation in solving real-life motion problems.

A skateboarder moves in a straight line. She starts at 3 m/s and accelerates uniformly at 1.5 m/s² for 4 m.

Describe what is meant by ‘initial speed’ and ‘final speed’ in the equation .

A cyclist slows down uniformly from 14 m/s to 8 m/s over a distance of 33 m. Calculate her acceleration.

Write down the full equation relating final speed (v), initial speed (u), acceleration (a), and distance moved (s) for uniform acceleration.

Describe how you would investigate the motion of a toy car rolling down a ramp, to see if it accelerates uniformly.