Measuring instantaneous speed practical (v=s/t)
I can accurately measure the instantaneous speed of a dynamics trolley.
Measuring instantaneous speed practical (v=s/t)
I can accurately measure the instantaneous speed of a dynamics trolley.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A dynamics trolley speeds up (accelerates) along the whole length of a steep ramp.
- Instantaneous speed is the average speed over a very short time period.
- Instantaneous speed can be estimated by measuring movement in a small time period.
- Anomalous readings should be repeated and replaced or removed from sets of repeat readings.
Keywords
Dynamics trolley - A dynamics trolley is a wheeled object used in experiments. It moves very smoothly over flat surfaces.
Average speed - The average speed is the total distance travelled divided by the total time for a journey.
Instantaneous speed - The instantaneous speed of an object is the speed at a particular moment in time.
Anomalous reading - An anomalous reading is a result which is significantly outside the pattern in a set of results.
Common misconception
When the trolley is released it speeds up quickly at the start and then rolls at a constant speed.
Show a video of an accelerating trolley in slow motion identifying the distance travelled in successive equal intervals of time.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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).
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the total distance travelled divided by the time taken
the speed of an object at a particular moment
a wheeled object used in motion experiments
a result which does not fit the pattern of a set of results