Speed Flashcards – AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Physics — Foundation

How is constant speed $v$ calculated from distance travelled $s$ and time taken $t$?

$v = \frac{s}{t}$

What is one unit in which speed can be expressed?

Metres per second ($\mathrm{m/s}$).

How is average speed calculated for a journey with varying speed?

$\text{Average speed} = \frac{\text{total distance travelled}}{\text{total time taken}}$

Does the total time used to calculate average speed include time spent at rest?

Yes, time spent at rest is included.

What distinguishes a scalar quantity from a vector quantity?

A scalar has magnitude only; a vector has magnitude and direction.

How does an arrow represent a vector?

Its length indicates magnitude, and its orientation indicates direction.

Which three quantities are scalars: speed, mass, distance, velocity, force, weight, acceleration or displacement?

Speed, mass and distance.

Which five quantities are vectors: speed, mass, distance, velocity, force, weight, acceleration or displacement?

Velocity, force, weight, acceleration and displacement.

How do speed and velocity differ?

Speed is the rate at which distance is travelled; velocity is the rate of change of displacement and has a direction.

How do distance and displacement differ?

Distance is the length of a path; displacement is the directed change in position.

What is an object's weight?

The gravitational force on the object.

What does an object's mass measure?

Its inertia.