The displacement of an object is the distance and direction from a specific point. Displacement is a vector.

A displacement-time graph shows the displacement of an object over a period of time.

A motion sensor measures the distance between itself and an object. We can use the measurements to calculate and plot graphs of displacement, velocity and acceleration.

Velocity on displacement-time graphs (v = s ÷ t)

Combined science

In the Energy of moving objects unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn how to calculate the amount of energy of objects have because they are moving, stretched or in a gravitational field; and to calculate energy transfers using knowledge of energy conservation and dissipation.

In the Moving by force unit, pupils learnt how to calculate speed and describe motion using distance-time graphs, apply Newton’s First Law of motion and calculate the amount of energy needed to move an object to a new position.

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.

Measuring and calculating motion

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

a vector which is the distance and direction from a point

shows the displacement of an object over a period of time

measures the distance between an object and itself

Match the key word or phrase to the explanation.

the intercept on the displacement axis (y-axis)

the intercept on the displacement time (x-axis)

Which feature of a displacement-time graph shows the velocity?

the speed of sound and the time information use used to calculate displacement

An ultrasonic motion sensor is used to measure displacement of a ball. Put each step in order to explain how the sensor works.

The graph shows the motion of a box placed on a conveyor belt in a factory.
Find the average velocity of the box.

Select the options which describe the motion between 2 s and 4 s.

The change in their velocity is too sudden.

Their velocity is too high for a human to run.

It does not take into account the direction of travel.

A pupil has plotted a graph to show their movement as they run across the classroom.
Why is this graph unrealistic?

Some swimmers compete in a 50m race.  Their times are shown. 
Starting with the fastest, sort the swimmers in order of their speeds..

Which of the following are vector quantities?

A rocket has a velocity of 200 m/s upwards.
What distance will the rocket travel upwards in 30 s?

A jogger runs for 250 s and they end up 625 m west of their starting point.
Calculate the average velocity of the jogger. 

Two trains are travelling in the same direction. Train A has a speed of 6.5 m/s and train B has a speed of 5.5 m/s. What is the relative speed of the two trains?

An small airplane travels 45 km north in 30 minutes.
Calculate the average velocity of the airplane in m/s.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz