2026 Syllabus Objectives
Core:
- Define speed as distance travelled per unit time; recall and use the equation v = s/t
- Define velocity as speed in a given direction
- Recall and use the equation average speed = total distance travelled / total time taken
- Sketch, plot and interpret distance–time and speed–time graphs
- Determine, qualitatively, from given data or the shape of a distance–time graph or speed–time graph when an object is: (a) at rest (b) moving with constant speed (c) accelerating (d) decelerating
- Calculate speed from the gradient of a straight-line section of a distance–time graph
- Calculate the area under a speed–time graph to determine the distance travelled for motion with constant speed or constant acceleration
- State that the acceleration of free fall g for an object near to the surface of the Earth is approximately constant and is approximately 9.8 m/s²
Supplement:
9. Define acceleration as change in velocity per unit time; recall and use the equation a = Δv/Δt
10. Determine from given data or the shape of a speed–time graph when an object is moving with: (a) constant acceleration (b) changing acceleration
11. Calculate acceleration from the gradient of a speed–time graph
12. Know that a deceleration is a negative acceleration and use this in calculations
13. Describe the motion of objects falling in a uniform gravitational field with and without air/liquid resistance, including reference to terminal velocity
1. Speed
Speed is the distance travelled per unit time. In simple terms, it tells us how fast something is moving.
Speed is a scalar quantity. This means it only has a size (magnitude) but no direction. For example, "20 m/s" is a speed - it doesn't tell us which way the object is going.
The equation for speed is:
v = s / t
Where:
- v = speed, measured in metres per second (m/s)
- s = distance travelled, measured in metres (m)
- t = time, measured in seconds (s)
Using formula triangles:
You can rearrange this equation using a formula triangle:
- To find speed: cover up speed → you get distance ÷ time
- To find time: cover up time → you get distance ÷ speed
- To find distance: cover up distance → you get speed × time
Example:
A car travels 150 metres in 10 seconds. What is its speed?
Using v = s / t: