Motion

The key objective behind this scheme of work is to enable students to draw, interpret and use graphs of motion to analyse the motion of objects. The learning outcomes include:

Speed, distance and time

1. Distinguish between (i) distance and displacement and (ii) speed and velocity
   2, Give the SI units for distance, displacement, speed and velocity.
2. Define (average) speed as: speed = distance travelled / time taken
3. Solve problems using this equation using correct units.
4. Recognise that (instantaneous) velocity of an object is its (instantaneous) speed in a stated direction.
5. Draw and interpret distance vs time graphs:

• relating the speed of an object to the gradient of the line (for objects moving quickly, slowly, speeding up, slowing down or stationary)
• find the speed by calculating the gradient of the graph
• recognise a negative gradient as motion backwards

Acceleration

1. Define acceleration
2. Solve problems for accelerating objects speeding up or slowing down using the equation for acceleration and correct units.
3. Draw and interpret velocity vs time graphs:

• Relating the gradient of the line to the acceleration of the object
• Calculating the acceleration from the gradient
• Relate the acceleration of an object to the application of a (net) force