Week 4: Year 9 transition work: Forces and

motion
Motion and forces Dear year 9,

• Scalar and vector quantities I hope you’re all well. Here is a list of topics we
will be studying in your year 9 Physics course.
• Velocity/speed We will be covering these over the coming
• Distance/time relationship weeks.
• Acceleration
• Velocity/time relationship Make any notes that you need in your books and
complete all tasks in your books and use the
• Newton’s First Law answers to check. Use a different coloured pen if
• Newton’s Second Law you can to make corrections.
• Weight
Please contact me or your Physics/Science
• Reaction time teacher if needed:
• Stopping and braking distance [email protected]
• Factors affecting reaction times
Quick Quiz – recap from last week
1 Runner A finishes a race in less time than runner B. Who is
faster?
runner A

2 What two measurements are needed to calculate a speed?

distance and time
Quick Quiz
3 What is the unit for speed if the time is measured in hours and the
distance is measured in miles?
miles per hour

4 What is the unit for speed used on the roads in the UK?
miles per hour

5 What is the SI unit for speed?

m/s
Quick Quiz
6 What does 'acceleration' mean?
speeding up or slowing down

7 What is a force?
push or pull

8 How do we represent forces on diagrams?

arrows, with length depending on size of force
Quick Quiz
9 What does 'mass' mean?
amount of substance

10 What is the unit for mass?

kilogram
 Speed and Velocity
Notes
Average and Instantaneous Speed
Average speed is the speed of an object over the entire journey.
The average speed is found by using the total distance travelled
divided by the total time taken.

average speed = total distance travelled

total time taken

Instantaneous speed is the speed of an object at a given moment in

time. The speedometer in a car gives the instantaneous speed of
the car.
 The Distance/time relationship
Notes
Distance/time graphs
Distance/time graphs can
be used to represent the
motion of an object.

The different gradients

(steepness) of line on the
graphs show different
motions of the object.

The shapes of line that

you need to know are
shown opposite.
 What Does this Graph Show?
Sketch and label
An object
moves at a
constant It moves
speed from its further away It returns to
starting from its its starting
position starting position
position at a traveling at a
lower speed constant
Distance

It stops speed
briefly

C
B D
A
Time
Notes The Distance-Time Relationship

Calculating speed from a distance/time graph

From the shapes of distance/time graphs it is possible to compare the speeds
of different objects. The steeper the gradient of a line on a distance/time Work Done:
• The American unit of
graph the faster the object is travelling. work done is the foot-
pound force. The S.I.
unit for work done is
The gradient of the line on a distance/time graph is the speed of the object. the joule, J. Find out
how to convert from
the S.I. unit to the
Example: non-standard
American unit.
• The space shuttle
Work out the speed of the objects shown by the enters the Earth’s
atmosphere at 17,500
red and green line. mph. On re-entry the
temperature of the
space shuttle will
Solution: exceed 1500 ℃. Find
out why the
temperature of the
Click
Red = distance / time = 30 / 3 = 10 to reveal answer
km/h space shuttle gets so
high on re-entry.

Green = distance / time = 40 /2 = Click

20 km/h
to reveal answer
Notes

Speed = distance
time

How can you use a distance-time graph to find

the speed?
The gradient of a distance-time graph represents
the speed
Notes

Speed = distance
time
Speed = 12 miles
2 hours
Speed = 6 mph
The steeper the gradient the faster the speed
Notes Find the speed in the following
distance-time graph

Speed = distance
time
Speed = 80miles
2hrs
Speed = 40 mph
Notes Acceleration

When objects accelerate they can be changing speed or changing direction or

changing both speed and direction.
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, and since velocity is a vector so is
acceleration.
Example 1: A car accelerates from rest to 30 m/s in 17 seconds.
Calculate the acceleration of the car.
Recall and use the equation:

acceleration (m/s2 ) = change in velocity (m/s) ÷ time taken (s)

(𝒗 − 𝒖)
𝒂 =
𝒕
(𝟑𝟎 − 𝟎)
𝒂 =
𝟏𝟕 u = initial velocity
Click 𝟐 v = final velocity
𝒂 to reveal
= 𝟏. answer
𝟕𝟔 𝒎/𝒔
Notes Acceleration

Negative Acceleration
As acceleration is a vector the direction is important.

When a moving object has a negative acceleration it can either be

slowing down (often just called decelerating) or it could be
increasing speed in the opposite direction.

If a car is moving along a straight motorway at 70 mph and then

has a negative acceleration the car will slow down.

On the on the other hand if the positive direction is chosen to be

upwards then a ball that is dropped will have a negative acceleration
(as it is in the opposite direction) and will continue to speed up
(accelerate) in the opposite direction.
Notes Acceleration

Example 2: A car accelerates at 3m/s2 causing its velocity to increase

from 13m/s to 22 m/s.
Calculate the distance travelled by the car while it is accelerating.
Select and use the equation:
(final velocity)2 – (initial velocity)2 = 2 x acceleration x distance
(m/s) (m/s) (m/s2) (m)

𝒗𝟐 − 𝒖𝟐 = 𝟐 × 𝒂 × 𝒙

𝟐𝟐𝟐 − 𝟏𝟑𝟐 = 𝟐 × 𝟑 × 𝒙
𝟒𝟖𝟒 − 𝟏𝟔𝟗 = 𝟔 × 𝒙
𝟑𝟏𝟓 An acceleration of 3
𝒙 =
𝟔 m/s2 means that an
object is getting 3 m/s
Click to
𝒙 =reveal
52.5manswer faster every second.
Notes Acceleration

Example 3: A stone is dropped off a 30 m high cliff.

The stone falls under gravity (g = 9.8 m/s2).
Work out the speed of the stone as it hits the floor.

As the stone is dropped the initial speed is 0 m/s.

𝐯 𝟐 − 𝐮𝟐 = 𝟐 × 𝐚 × 𝐱

v 2 − 02 = 2 × 9.8 × 30

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 30 + 02

v2 = 588

Click
v = 588 = 24.2 m/sto reveal answer
Notes Acceleration

Velocity/time Graphs
A velocity/time graph gives more information than a distance/time graph. As
well as speed, distance travelled and time, a velocity-time graph will give the
acceleration of the object.

Although the line shapes look the same as a distance/time graph, as the axes
are different the line meanings are different.

Below are the line shapes for velocity-time graphs.

Notes Acceleration

Velocity/time graph calculations

The following information can be
gathered from a velocity/time graph:

The velocity: From reading off the

axes on the graph.

The acceleration: Found from the

gradient of the line on the velocity-
time graph.

The distance travelled: The area

under the line on a velocity-time
graph is the distance travelled.
Notes Acceleration

Interpreting velocity/time graphs

Example:
Describe fully the motion shown in the
velocity/time graph.

Solution:

From 0 to 10 s: Constant rate of

acceleration of 2 m/s2.
From 10 to 15 s: Constant speed of 20
m/s.
From 15 to 30 s: Constant rate of
deceleration of 1.33 m/s2.

Distance-travelled is the area under the

line = 100 m + 100 m + 150 m = 350 m
Complete 5 Quick questions
1) Which graph shows the object moving
at a faster speed?

The steeper the

gradient the faster
the speed
Notes Investigating
and watch motion
Motion

You can investigate motion by using a trolley and a ramp.

There are different ways to investigate the acceleration of an object
down a ramp.
You can time it with:
• A stop watch
• Light gates
• Ticker timer

Video 1

Video 2
Notes Speed and Velocity

These are the typical speeds of everyday situations that you

should know.

Situation Typical Speed m/s

Wind 5 - 20
Walking 1.5
Running 3
Cycling 6
Cars (in towns) 13
Cars (motorways) 31

The speed of sound in air is 330 m/s (though this does changes
with temperature and pressure).
Notes Acceleration

When a skydiver jumps out of a plane they may reach terminal

velocity.
At terminal velocity the pull of gravity (the skydiver’s weight) is
equal in size and opposite in direction to the air resistance on the
skydiver. As there is no resultant force there is no acceleration
and the skydiver will fall at a steady speed.
Notes Acceleration

The acceleration, g, in free fall is:

10 m/s2

Example forces acting on a Skydiver

During the course of a skydive the weight of a skydiver will not change.
As a result of this the skydiver will have a constant pull downwards
caused by the gravitational attraction of the Earth.

Also acting on the skydiver is air resistance, or drag. As the skydiver

moves through the air faster the skydiver will experience more drag.

Drag reduces the acceleration the skydiver experiences, from 10 m/s2

when they have just jumped out of the plane to 0 m/s2 when they reach
terminal speed.
Notes Acceleration

More Forces acting on a Skydiver

As the skydiver falls faster the amount of drag experienced increases,

reducing the skydiver’s acceleration, until weight and drag are equal in
size. At this point the skydiver will be falling with terminal velocity.
Notes Acceleration

These are estimations of the magnitudes of everyday

accelerations

Situation Acceleration m/s2

High speed train 0.35
Family saloon car 4.3
Space shuttle 29.4
Formula 1 car 49
Parachutist (during opening of parachute) 59
Cheetah 5.4
Gazelle 4.5
Answer each question
1.
Part 2 - QuestionIT

Recall the equations that link speed, distance and time, including units.

2. Describe the difference between speed and velocity.

Answer each question
3. A car moves round a circular track at 120 mph.
Part 2 - QuestionIT

Give the average velocity of the car. Explain your answer.

4. A motorcycle travels a distance of 420 miles in 8.5 hours.

Give the average speed of the motorcycle.

5. Describe the difference between instantaneous speed and average speed.

Answer each question Part 2 - QuestionIT

6. Describe fully the motion shown in the distance-time graph shown below.
Answer each question Part 2 - QuestionIT

7. Describe how you would find the instantaneous speed of an object from a
distance-time graph where the line is a curve. (Higher Tier Only).

8. State the equation that links acceleration, change in velocity and time
taken, including units.
Answer each question Part 2 - QuestionIT

9. Describe what is meant by a negative acceleration.

10. Give the units of acceleration.

Answer each question
11. A stone is dropped off a cliff.
Part 2 - QuestionIT

The stone hits the floor at 30 m/s.

Calculate the height of the cliff.
Take g = 9.8 m/s2

12. Describe how the distance travelled by an object can be found from a
velocity-time graph.
Answer each question Part 2 - QuestionIT

13. Describe fully the motion shown in the velocity-time graph shown below.
Answer each question
14. State the typical speed of a person
Part 2 - QuestionIT

Walking
Cycling

15. Explain how the motion of a skydiver changes from the moment they jump
out of the plane until they land.
Check and correct Part 2 - AnswerIT

1. Recall the equations that link speed, distance and time, including units.
(average) speed (metre per second, m/s) = distance (metre, m) ÷ time (s)

distance travelled (metre, m) = average speed (metre per second, m/s) x time (s)

2. Describe the difference between speed and velocity.

Speed is a scalar quantity – it has magnitude but no direction.
Velocity is a vector – it has magnitude and direction.
Check and correct
3. A car moves round a circular track at 120 mph.
Part 2 - AnswerIT

Give the average velocity of the car. Explain your answer.

Average velocity is 0 m/s
As on completion of every lap the car has a displacement of 0 m
and velocity is found using displacement / time
the average velocity must be 0 m/s

4. A motorcycle travels a distance of 420 miles in 8.5 hours.

Give the average speed of the motorcycle.
(average) speed = distance / time
(average) speed = 420 / 8
(average) speed = 52.5 mph

5. Describe the difference between instantaneous speed and average speed.

Instantaneous speed is the speed at a given moment in time.
Average speed is the speed over the whole journey including periods
of acceleration and deceleration.
Check and correct Part 2 - AnswerIT

6. Describe fully the motion shown in the distance-time graph shown below.

A to B: Constant speed of 0.6 km/s

B to C: Stationary (for 4 s)

C to D: Constant speed of 2.25 km/s

D to E: Stationary (for 2 s)

E to F: Constant speed of 2 m/s

going back to the origin
Check and correct Part 2 - AnswerIT

7. Describe how you would find the instantaneous speed of an object from a
distance-time graph where the line is a curve. (Higher Tier Only).

Draw the tangent to the curve.

Find the gradient of the line you have

drawn.

The gradient of the line is the

instantaneous speed.

8. State the equation that links acceleration, change in velocity and time
taken, including units.
acceleration (m/s2 ) = change in velocity (m/s) ÷ time taken (s)
(𝒗 − 𝒖)
𝒂 =
𝒕
Check and correct
9. Describe what is meant by a negative acceleration.
Part 2 - AnswerIT

A negative acceleration means that the object is slowing down or

speeding up in the opposite direction (to that which has been assumed
to be positive).

10. Give the units of acceleration.

m/s2 or m/s/s or ms-2
Check and correct
11. A stone is dropped off a cliff.
Part 2 - AnswerIT

The stone hits the floor at 30 m/s.

Calculate the height of the cliff.
Take g = 9.8 m/s2

Since the stone is dropped u = 0 m/s

Using v2 – u 2 = 2 a s
Substituting gives 302 – 02 = 2 x 9.8 x s
Simplifying gives 900 = 19.6 x s
Rearranging gives 900 / 19.6 = s

Therefore s = 45.9 m

12. Describe how the distance travelled by an object can be found from a
velocity-time graph.
The area under the line on a velocity-time graph represents the distance
travelled by that object.
Check and correct Part 2 - AnswerIT

13. Describe fully the motion shown in the velocity-time graph shown below.

From 0 to 20 s: Constant rate of

acceleration of 1.25 m/s2

From 20 to 50 s: Constant speed of

25 m/s

From 50 to 60 s: Constant rate of

deceleration of 2.5 m/s2

Total distance travelled over the 60

seconds is:
250 m + 750 m + 125 m = 1125 m
Check and correct
14. State the typical speed of a person
Part 2 - AnswerIT

Walking 1.5 m/s

Cycling 6 m/s
15. Explain how the motion of a skydiver changes from the moment they jump
out of the plane until they land.
• Skydiver accelerates due to gravity (at a rate of 10 m/s2)
• As the skydiver picks up speed the drag they experience increases
• But the gravitational attraction stays the same
• so the acceleration of the skydiver decreases in size.
• When drag and weight are equal in size but opposite in direction the skydiver will fall
with terminal speed
• as there is no resultant force so no acceleration
• When the parachute is opened there is an increase in drag
• Decelerating the skydiver
• Until weight and drag are equal in size but opposite in direction
• Then the skydiver falls at a new (lower) terminal speed
• Which is lower as the the large surface area of the parachute increases the amount of
drag at a given speed.
• Skydiver decelerates to 0 m/s when they hit the ground.