What is acceleration?
The change in velocity per unit time.
How is acceleration defined using initial and final velocity?
Acceleration is the change from initial velocity u to final velocity v in time 𝑡.
What is the formula linking acceleration, initial velocity, final velocity and time?
a = (v-u)/t
What are the units of acceleration?
Metres per second squared (ms-2)
How do you calculate acceleration when an object speeds up?
Subtract the initial velocity from the final velocity, then divide by the time taken.
How do you calculate acceleration when an object slows down?
Subtract the initial velocity from the final velocity, then divide by the time taken.
Result will be negative (deceleration).
How do you find acceleration from a velocity–time graph?
Acceleration is the gradient (slope) of the line.
What does a steeper gradient on a v–t graph mean?
A larger acceleration
What does a horizontal line on a v–t graph mean?
Zero acceleration (constant velocity).
What equipment can be used to measure acceleration in an experiment?
A trolley, ramp, light gates and a timer.
How is initial velocity measured in a light‑gate experiment?
Two light gates
Measure the time the card takes to pass through the first light gate and use
u = length of card/time
How is final velocity measured in a light‑gate experiment?
Two light gates
Measure the time the card takes to pass through the second light gate and use v = length of card over two
How is the time for the change in velocity measured?
Two light gates
Use a stopwatch or the timer between the two light gates to record the time between them.
How is acceleration calculated in the experiment?
Two light gates
a = (v-u)/t
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Dynamics-Vectors And Scalars18
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Dynamics-Velocity Time Graphs10
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Dynamics-Acceleration14
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Dynamics-Newton’s laws17
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Space-Space exploration29
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Space-Cosmology22
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Wave parameters and behaviours15
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Electromagnetic spectrum16
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Refraction of light5
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Nuclear radiation-Type of radiation25
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Symbols and Units42
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Properties of Matter24
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Electricity1
