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Year 10

AQA

Foundation

Calculating from velocity-time graphs (a = Δv/t)

I can read information from velocity-time graphs and calculate acceleration.

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New

Year 10

AQA

Foundation

Calculating from velocity-time graphs (a = Δv/t)

I can read information from velocity-time graphs and calculate acceleration.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

A velocity-time graph shows how velocity changes with time.
Acceleration is equal to the gradient of a velocity-time graph.
A falling line shows decreasing velocity called deceleration, which is a negative acceleration.

Keywords

Displacement-time graph - A displacement-time graph shows the displacement of an object over a period of time.
Velocity-time graph - A velocity-time graph shows the velocity of an object over a period of time.
Acceleration - The acceleration of an object is the rate of change of velocity. This is how much the velocity changes per second.
Deceleration - Deceleration is used to describe a change in velocity where the object slows down.

Common misconception

Pupils often consider time in the acceleration equation to be moment in time (perhaps read from a graph) rather than a change in time.

Label the value of t in the acceleration as a change of time rather than just time.

Emphasise use of the terms 'change in time' and 'change in velocity' throughout the lesson. Model acceleration and use video clips showing a range of changes in speed as examples.

Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

Five yachts have a sailing race around the same course. Their completion times are shown. Starting with the fastest, put them in order of average speed.

1 - 1 hour 15 minutes

2 - 1 hour 19 minutes

3 - 1 hour 20 minutes

4 - 1 hour 28 minutes

5 - 1 hours 49 minutes

Q2.

An electric scooter has a maximum speed of 2.5 m/s. Calculate the maximum distance it can travel in 50 s.

2.5 m

20 m

47.5 m

52.5 m

Correct answer: 125 m

Q3.

Which word is used to describe an object which has a decreasing velocity?

Correct Answer: decelerating, deceleration

Q4.

Which of these is the correct unit for acceleration?

m/s

Correct answer: m/s$$^2$$

m/s$$^3$$

Q5.

A satellite travels a distance of 10 800 km in 1 hour. What is the speed of the satellite in km/s?

10 800 km/s

180 km/s

Correct answer: 3.0 km/s

0.33 km/s

3.0 m/s

Q6.

A train speeds up from 2 m/s to 8 m/s in a time of 50 s. Calculate the acceleration of the train.

Correct answer: 0.12 m/s$$^2$$

0.16 m/s$$^2$$

0.04 m/s$$^2$$

8.3 m/s$$^2$$

6.0 m/s$$^2$$

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

Match the key words and phrases to their explanations.

Correct Answer:displacement-time graph,this shows the displacement of an object over a period of time

this shows the displacement of an object over a period of time

Correct Answer:velocity-time graph,this shows the velocity of an object over a period of time

this shows the velocity of an object over a period of time

Correct Answer:acceleration,the rate of change of velocity

the rate of change of velocity

Correct Answer:deceleration,used to describe an object which is slowing down

used to describe an object which is slowing down

Q2.

Find the change in velocity between 0 s and 8 s shown in this graph.

2 m/s

Correct answer: -2 m/s

-8 m/s

8 m/s

6 m/s

Q3.

When is the magnitude (size) of the acceleration greatest according to the velocity-time graph?

between 0 s and 2 s

between 2 s and 4 s

between 4 s and 5 s

Correct answer: between 5 s and 7 s

between 7 s and 8 s

Q4.

The graph shows an electric car with changing velocity. At which of these times is the acceleration greatest?

Correct answer: 1 s

2 s

3 s

4 s

8 s

Q5.

The velocity-time graph shows the movement of a robotic arm in a factory. Calculate the velocity of the arm in m/s when the time is 10 s. You do not need to include the units in your answer.

Correct Answer: 0.15 m/s, 0.15

Q6.

A car starts from rest and accelerates at a constant 3.5 m/s$$^2$$. Calculate its velocity after 6.0 s.

Correct Answer: 21 m/s, 21.0 m/s, 21