Average vs Instantaneous Velocity: 6 Traps

One-page diagnostic handout: 6 research-based velocity traps with x–t graph illustrations, plus 5 multiple-choice hinge questions with answer key. Ready to print and use.

This single A4 resource targets the most common exam mistakes students make when working with average and instantaneous velocity on position–time graphs. Designed for IB Physics (Topic 2.1), AP Physics 1 (Unit 1), A-Level Mechanics, and GCSE Motion. Works as a lesson starter, revision prompt, or formative assessment tool — no preparation needed.

The top half presents six traps: Wrong Line Drawn (chord vs tangent confusion), “From” vs “At” (how one word in the question decides which line to draw), the 4.5 Trap (why you cannot average speeds arithmetically when times differ), Negative = Slowing Down (sign tells direction, not whether speed is changing), the Straight Line Special (the one case where average equals instantaneous), and Turning Point Velocity (maximum position does not mean maximum velocity).

Each trap card includes a mini x–t graph, the specific student error in red, and the corrective insight in green.

The bottom half provides five targeted hinge questions, each mapped to a specific trap. Use them as a quick vote-and-reveal activity (2–3 minutes) to diagnose which misconceptions persist in your class. Options are laid out in two columns for easy reading. Answer key included at the bottom.

Grounded in physics education research (Arons, Knight, Trowbridge & McDermott) on persistent kinematics misconceptions.

Created by FundaFirst HS — research-backed physics misconception diagnostics for international schools. A free 25-question motion diagnostic is available at fundafirsths.com.