On the Move (Kinematics) — A-Level Physics Revision
Revise On the Move (Kinematics) for A-Level Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
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Go to Newton's Laws of MotionWhat is On the Move (Kinematics)?
Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. This topic focuses on describing motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration. You will learn to use the SUVAT equations for objects moving with constant acceleration in a straight line, and how to interpret and draw displacement-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs. The principles are also extended to two dimensions to analyse projectile motion.
Board notes: Kinematics and the SUVAT equations are fundamental to all A-Level Physics specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The complexity of projectile motion problems and the emphasis on graphical analysis can differ. Edexcel and AQA often feature multi-stage kinematics problems requiring careful application of both graphical and algebraic methods.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
A ball is thrown vertically upwards with an initial velocity of 20 m/s. To find the maximum height it reaches, we can use v² = u² + 2as. At the maximum height, the final velocity (v) is 0. Acceleration (a) is -9.81 m/s². So, 0² = 20² + 2(-9.81)s. Rearranging for displacement (s) gives s = -400 / (2 * -9.81) ≈ 20.4 m. The maximum height reached is 20.4 m.
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Common mistakes
- 1Using SUVAT equations when acceleration is not constant. These equations are only valid for uniform acceleration. For non-uniform acceleration, graphical methods must be used.
- 2Confusing displacement and distance, or velocity and speed. Displacement and velocity are vector quantities (with direction), while distance and speed are scalar quantities.
- 3Mixing up horizontal and vertical motion in projectile problems. The key is to treat the horizontal motion (constant velocity) and vertical motion (constant acceleration due to gravity) completely independently.
On the Move (Kinematics) exam questions
Exam-style questions for On the Move (Kinematics) with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for On the Move (Kinematics)
Core concept
Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. This topic focuses on describing motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration. You will learn to use the …
Frequently asked questions
What do the gradients of motion graphs represent?
The gradient of a displacement-time graph represents velocity. The gradient of a velocity-time graph represents acceleration.
What does the area under a velocity-time graph represent?
The area under a velocity-time graph represents the displacement of the object. The area under an acceleration-time graph represents the change in velocity.