1 (a) A bus travels at a constant speed.

It stops for a short time and then travels at a higher constant

speed.

Using the axes in Fig. 1.1, draw a distance-time graph for this bus journey.

distance

0
0 time

Fig. 1.1
[3]

(b) A lift (elevator) starts from rest at the ground floor of a building.

Fig. 1.2 is the speed-time graph for the motion of the lift to the top floor of the building.

4.0

speed
m/s
3.0

2.0

1.0

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
time / s
Fig. 1.2

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
Use the graph to determine the distance from the ground floor to the top floor of the building.

distance = ................................................................. [4]

[Total: 7]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
2 Fig. 1.1 shows the speed-time graph for a car travelling along a straight road.

The graph shows how the speed of the car changes as the car passes through a small town.

35

D
30
speed
m/s
A
25

enters leaves
20 town town
here here

15

B C

10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(a) Calculate the distance between the start of the town and the end of the town.

distance = [3]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) Calculate the acceleration of the car between C and D.

acceleration = [3]

(c) State how the graph shows that the deceleration of the car has the same numerical value as
its acceleration.

[1]

[Total: 7]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
3 (a) Figs. 1.1 and 1.2 show speed-time graphs for two objects, each moving in a straight line.

speed speed

0 0
0 time 0 time

Fig. 1.1 Fig. 1.2

(i) Describe the motion of the object shown by the graph in Fig. 1.1.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

(ii) Describe the motion of the object shown by the graph in Fig. 1.2.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) On a day with no wind, a large object is dropped from a tall building. The object experiences
air resistance during its fall to the ground.

State and explain, in terms of the forces acting, how the acceleration of the object varies
during its fall.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [4]

[Total: 7]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
4 At a sports event, a champion runner and a car take part in a race.

(a) The runner runs at a constant speed of 10 m / s from the start of the race. During the first 5.0 s
of the race, the car’s speed increases from 0 m / s to 25 m / s at a uniform rate.

On Fig. 1.1, draw

(i) a graph to show the motion of the runner, [1]

(ii) a graph to show the motion of the car.

30
speed
m/s

20

10

0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
time / s
Fig. 1.1
[1]

(b) Use your graphs to determine

(i) the distance travelled by the runner in the 5.0 s,

distance = ...........................................................[1]

(ii) the distance travelled by the car in the 5.0 s,

distance = ...........................................................[2]

(iii) the time at which the car overtakes the runner.

time = ...........................................................[2]

[Total: 7]
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
5 Fig. 1.1 shows a rocket-powered sled travelling along a straight track. The sled is used to test
components before they are sent into space.

sled
track

Fig. 1.1

Fig. 1.2 is the speed-time graph for the sled from time t = 0 s.

1000

800
speed
m/s 600

400

200

0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
time / s

Fig. 1.2

(a) On Fig. 1.2, mark a point labelled P to indicate a time when the acceleration of the sled is not
constant. [1]

(b) (i) Calculate the acceleration of the sled at t = 1.0 s.

acceleration = ...........................................................[2]

(ii) Determine the distance travelled by the sled between t = 1.0 s and t = 2.0 s.

distance = ...........................................................[2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (c) The resultant force acting on the sled remains constant during the test.

Suggest why the acceleration of the sled is not constant.

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

[Total: 6]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
6 A comet, travelling in space, enters the atmosphere of a planet.

Fig. 1.1 is the speed-time graph for the comet from time t = 0 s.

40 000

speed
m/s 30 000

20 000

10 000

0
0 4.0 8.0 12.0 16.0
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(a) (i) During the period t = 0 s to t = 6.0 s, both the speed of the comet and the velocity of the
comet remain constant.

State what this suggests about the motion of the comet.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) Determine the distance travelled during the period t = 0 s to t = 6.0 s.

distance = ...........................................................[2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
(b) Explain what the graph shows about the motion of the comet during the period t = 6.0 s to
t = 10.0 s.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(c) Determine the acceleration of the comet at t = 11.0 s.

acceleration = ...........................................................[2]

(d) Suggest what happens to the comet at t = 12.0 s.

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
7 A plastic ball is dropped from the balcony of a tall building and falls towards the ground in a straight
line.

Fig. 1.1 is the speed-time graph for the falling ball.

8.0

speed
m/s
6.0

4.0

2.0

0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(a) State and explain, in terms of forces, what is happening to the speed of the ball between time
t = 2.0 s and t = 3.0 s.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
(b) On Fig. 1.1, mark a point P on the line where the acceleration of the ball is not constant. [1]

(c) Using Fig. 1.1,

(i) calculate the acceleration of the ball between t = 0 s and t = 0.25 s,

acceleration = ...........................................................[2]

(ii) estimate the distance that the ball falls in the first 3.0 s.

distance = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 7]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
1 (a) A large stone, initially at rest, falls from the top of a building. The stone takes 3.2 s to fall to the
ground. For this stone, air resistance can be ignored.

(i) Stating the formula that you use, show that the speed of the stone when it hits the ground
is 32 m / s.

[1]

(ii) On Fig. 1.1, draw the speed-time graph for the fall of the stone. Label with an X the line
on the graph. [1]

40

30
speed
m/s

20

10

0
0 1 2 4
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(iii) Use the graph in (ii) to determine the height of the building.

height = ........................................................ [2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) A smaller stone than the stone in (a) falls from the same building. This stone is affected by air
resistance.

(i) What happens to the air resistance as the stone falls? Underline your choice of answer.

Air resistance decreases. Air resistance is constant. Air resistance increases. [1]

(ii) On Fig. 1.1, draw a possible speed-time graph for the fall of this stone. Label with a Y this
line on the graph. [3]
[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
2 Fig. 1.1 shows a distance-time graph for a moving object.
C
50

distance / m

B
30

Fig. 1.1
A
0
0 15 40
time / s

(a) Describe the speed of the object between points

(i) A and B,

...........................................................................................................................................

(ii) B and C.

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) State whether the acceleration of the object is zero, negative or positive, as shown on the
graph between points

(i) A and B,

...........................................................................................................................................

(ii) B and C.

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) Calculate the average speed of the object during the 40 seconds.

speed = ........................................................ [2]

[Total: 6]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
3 Parachutes are used to slow down a certain racing car.

Fig. 1.1 shows the racing car, of total mass 750 kg, slowing down by using parachutes.

Fig. 1.1

Fig. 1.2 is the speed-time graph for 20 s after the car reaches full speed.

80

70

speed 60
m/s
50

40

30

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
time t / s

Fig. 1.2

At time t = 6.0 s, the parachutes open.

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
(a) On Fig. 1.2,

(i) mark a point, labelled A, where the car is moving at constant speed,
(ii) mark a point, labelled B, where the car is decelerating at a uniform rate,
(iii) mark a point, labelled C, where the car is decelerating at non-uniform rate.
[3]

(b) Calculate

(i) the deceleration of the car at time t = 6.5 s,

deceleration = ............................................... [2]

(ii) the resultant force acting on the car at this time.

resultant force = ............................................... [2]

(c) Explain why there is no resultant force acting on the car at time t = 4.0 s.

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
4 (a) Fig. 1.1 shows the distance-time graphs for three different objects A, B and C.

A
B
distance

0
0 time

Fig. 1.1

Describe the motion of each of the objects A, B and C by selecting the appropriate description
from the list below.

constant speed s eed

increasing sp decreasing sp
speed stationary

A ...............................................................................................................................................

B ...............................................................................................................................................

C ...............................................................................................................................................
[2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) Fig. 1.2 shows the speed-time graphs for three more objects D, E, and F.

speed D

0
0 time

Fig. 1.2

Describe the motion of each of the objects D, E and F by selecting the appropriate description
from the list below.

constant speed constant acceleration

at increasing acceleration
at stationary

D ...............................................................................................................................................

E ...............................................................................................................................................

F ................................................................................................................................................
[2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
(c) Fig. 1.3 shows a person bungee-jumping from a bridge. The person is attached to a long
elastic rope.
strong fixed point

rope

jumper

river

Fig. 1.3

(i) In 1.5 s the speed of the jumper increases from zero to 10.5 m / s.

Calculate her average acceleration during this time.

acceleration = ................................................ [2]

(ii) At one point during the fall, she reaches her maximum speed.

1. State her acceleration at this point.

acceleration = ................................................ [1]

2. What can be said about the forces acting on her at this point?

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com [Total: 8]
5 Fig. 3.1 shows the speed- time graph of a firework rocket as it rises and then falls to the ground.

rocket
moving
upwards

speed

E
0
0 B time

rocket
moving C D
downwards

Fig. 3.1

The rocket runs out of fuel at A. It reaches its maximum height at B. At E it returns to the ground.

(a) (i) State the gradient of the graph at B. gradient = ............................................... [1]

(ii) State why the gradient has this value at B.

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) State and explain the relationship between the shaded areas above and below the time axis.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(c) Another rocket, of the same size and mass, opens a parachute at point B.

On Fig. 3.1, sketch a possible graph of its speed from B until it reaches the ground. [3]

[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
6 A free-fall parachutist jumps from a helium balloon, but does not open his parachute for some
time.

Fig. 1.1 shows the speed-time graph for his fall. Point B indicates when he opens his parachute.

speed
A B

C D

0
0 time

Fig. 1.1

(a) (i) State the value of the gradient of the graph immediately after time t = 0.

gradient = ........................................................ [1]

(ii) Explain why the gradient has this value.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) State how Fig. 1.1 shows that the acceleration decreased between time t = 0 and the time
to A.

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
(c) Explain, in terms of forces, what is happening in section AB of the graph in Fig. 1.1.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(d) A second parachutist of the same size and mass jumps from the balloon with a larger
parachute. He also opens his parachute at point B.

On Fig. 1.1, sketch a possible speed-time graph for his fall after he opens his parachute. [3]
[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
7 (a) Underline the vectors in the following list of quantities.

density energy force mass velocity

elocity volume [2]

(b) A small metal ball is projected into the air with a velocity of 40 m / s vertically upwards.

The graph in Fig. 2.1 shows how the velocity changes with time until the ball reaches its
maximum height.

40
velocity
m/s

20

0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0
time / s

–20

–40

Fig. 2.1

Use the graph to find,

(i) the time at which the ball reaches its maximum height,

time = .................................................. [1]

(ii) the deceleration of the ball,

deceleration = .................................................. [2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (iii) the maximum height reached by the ball.

maximum height = .................................................. [2]

(c) On Fig. 2.1, add a line to the graph to show how the velocity of the ball changes after it
reaches its maximum height. Your line should extend to time 6.0 s. [1]
[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
1 A rocket, initially at rest on the ground, accelerates vertically.

It accelerates uniformly until it reaches a speed of 900 m / s after 30 s.

After this period of uniform acceleration, the rocket engine cuts out. During the next 90 s, the
upward speed of the rocket decreases uniformly to zero.

(a) On Fig. 4.1, plot a speed-time graph for the rocket for the first 120 s of its flight.

speed
m/s

time / s

Fig. 4.1 [4]

(b) Using the graph,

(i) calculate the acceleration during the first 30 s,

acceleration = .................................................. [2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (ii) determine the height reached by the rocket after 120 s.

height reached = .................................................. [2]

[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
2 A train is at rest in a railway station. At time t = 0, the train starts to move forwards with an
increasing speed until it reaches its maximum speed at time t = 48 s.

Fig. 1.1 is the speed-time graph for the first 48 s of the journey.

40

30
speed
m/s

20

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(a) (i) State how the graph shows that, during the first 48 s of the journey, the acceleration
of the train is constant.

..................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) Calculate the acceleration of the train during the first 48 s of the journey.

acceleration = .................................................. [2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) After time t = 48 s, the train continues at its maximum speed for another 72 s.

(i) On Fig. 1.1, sketch the speed-time graph for the next 72 s of the journey. [1]
(ii) Determine the total distance travelled by the train in the 120 s after it starts moving.

distance = .................................................. [3]

[Total: 7]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
3 A train has a total mass of 7.5 × 105 kg.

(a) The train accelerates from rest at a constant rate along a straight, horizontal track.
It reaches a speed of 24 m / s in 60 s.

Calculate

(i) the train’s acceleration,

acceleration = .................................................. [2]

(ii) the resultant force acting on the train.

force = .................................................. [2]

(b) The train now travels with a constant speed of 24 m / s along a straight, horizontal track.
The total force opposing the motion due to friction and air resistance is 7.2 × 104 N.

(i) By considering the work done by the train’s engine in 1.0 s, calculate its output
power.

power = .................................................. [2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (ii) The train begins to travel up a slope.

Explain why the power of the train’s engine must be increased to maintain the
speed of 24 m / s.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 9]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
4 A school athlete does a sprint training run. Fig. 1.1 shows how her speed varies with time.

6
speed
m/s

0
0 2 4 6 8 10
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(a) Explain how the graph in Fig. 1.1 can be used to determine the distance she runs.

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Determine her maximum acceleration. Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the
necessary information.

maximum acceleration = .................................................. [4]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (c) She runs a distance of 62 m.

Calculate her average speed.

average speed = .................................................. [2]

[Total: 7]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
5 A girl rides her bicycle along a straight level road. Fig. 2.1 shows a graph of her distance
moved against time.

400 D

300

distance / m

200

100
B

A
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
time / s

Fig. 2.1

(a) Describe her motion

(i) from A to B, ..............................................................................................................

(ii) from B to C, ..............................................................................................................

(iii) from C to D. ..............................................................................................................

[3]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) Calculate

(i) her average speed from A to D,

average speed = ................................................. [2]

(ii) her maximum speed.

maximum speed = ................................................. [3]

[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
6 Fig. 1.1 is a distance / time graph showing the motion of an object.

25

20
distance / m
15

10

0
0 1 2 3 4
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(a) (i) Describe the motion shown for the first 2 s, calculating any relevant quantity.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) After 2 s the object accelerates.

On Fig. 1.1, sketch a possible shape of the graph for the next 2 s.
[1]

(b) Describe how a distance / time graph shows an object that is stationary.

..........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (c) Fig. 1.2 shows the axes for a speed / time graph.

10

8
speed
m/s 6

0
0 1 2 3 4
time / s

Fig. 1.2

On Fig. 1.2, draw

(i) the graph of the motion for the first 2 s as shown in Fig. 1.1,
(ii) an extension of the graph for the next 2 s, showing the object accelerating at 2 m / s2.
[3]

(d) Describe how a speed / time graph shows an object that is stationary.

..........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 1 Fig. 1.1 shows the graph of speed v against time t for a train as it travels from one station to
the next.

20

v
m/s

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
t /s
Fig. 1.1
(a) Use Fig. 1.1 to calculate

(i) the distance between the two stations,

distance = ................................................. [4]

(ii) the acceleration of the train in the first 10 s.

=acceleration ................................................. [2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) The mass of the train is 1.1 × 105 kg.

Calculate the resultant force acting on the train in the first 10 s.

resultant force = ................................................. [2]

(c) The force generated by the engine of the train is called the driving force.

Write down, in words, an equation relating the driving force to any other forces acting on
the train during the period t = 10 s to t = 130 s.

.................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 9]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 2 A brick is dropped from the top of a very tall building as it is being constructed.

Fig. 1.1 is the speed / time graph for the brick as it falls to the ground.

70

60
speed
m/s
50

40

30

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(a) State a time at which the acceleration of the brick is

(i) zero,

time = ................................................. [1]

(ii) constant but not zero,

time = ................................................. [1]

(iii) not constant.

time = ................................................. [1]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) Explain in terms of the forces acting on the brick why, between 0 and 14.0 s, its speed
varies in the way shown by the graph.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [4]

(c) State the direction of the resultant force acting on the brick at time 15.0 s.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
3 In a laboratory, an experiment is carried out to measure the acceleration of a trolley on a horizontal
table, when pulled by a horizontal force.

trolley
force

Fig. 1.1

The measurements are repeated for a series of different forces, with the results shown in the table
below.

force / N 4.0 6.0 10.0 14.0

acceleration 0.50 0.85 1.55 2.25

m / s2

(a) On Fig. 1.2, plot these points and draw the best straight line for your points. [2]

16

force / N

12

0
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
acceleration
m / s2

Fig. 1.2

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) The graph shows that below a certain force there is no acceleration.

(i) Find the value of this force. ............................................................................................ [1]

(ii) A force smaller than that in (b)(i) is applied to the stationary trolley. Suggest what happens
to the trolley, if anything.

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(c) Show that the gradient of your graph is about 5.7.

gradient = ...........................................................[1]

(d) (i) State the equation that links resultant force F, mass m and acceleration a.

[1]

(ii) Use your gradient from (c) to find the mass of the trolley.

mass = ...........................................................[2]

(e) On Fig. 1.3, sketch a speed / time graph for a trolley with constant acceleration.

speed

0
0
time

Fig. 1.3
[1]

[Total: 9]
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
4 A person is standing on the top of a cliff, throwing stones into the sea below.

cliff

sea

Fig. 2.1

(a) The person throws a stone horizontally.

(i) On Fig. 2.1, draw a line to show the path which the stone might take between leaving the
person’s hand and hitting the sea.

(ii) On the line you have drawn, at a point halfway to the sea, mark the stone and the
direction of the force on the stone.
[3]

(b) Later, the person drops a small stone and a large stone vertically from the edge of the cliff.

Comment on the times taken for the two stones to hit the water.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (c) 800 m from the point where the person is standing, a navy ship is having target practice.

The person finds that if a stone is dropped vertically at the same time as the spurt of smoke
from the ship’s gun is seen, the stone hits the water at the same time as the sound from the
gun is heard.

Sound travels at 320 m / s in that region.

Calculate the velocity with which the stone hits the water.

velocity = ...........................................................[4]

[Total: 9]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
5 Fig. 1.1 shows the speed/time graph for a car travelling along a straight road.

The graph shows how the speed of the car changes as the car passes through a small
town.

35

D
30
speed
m/s
A
25

enters leaves
20 town town
here here

15

B C

10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(a) Describe what happens to the speed of the car

(i) between A and B, .....................................................................................................

(ii) between B and C, .....................................................................................................

(iii) between C and D. .....................................................................................................

[1]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
 (b) Calculate the distance between the start of the town and the end of the town.

distance = ................................................ [3]

(c) Calculate the acceleration of the car between C and D.

acceleration = ................................................ [3]

(d) State how the graph shows that the deceleration of the car has the same numerical
value as its acceleration.

..........................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 8]

PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com