Introduction
 

Motion with constant acceleration forms the foundation of kinematics and is one of the most important topics in A Level Physics. By analysing how an object's velocity changes over time, students can describe and predict the motion of vehicles, projectiles and other moving objects using a set of fundamental equations.
 

In this topic, students learn to interpret displacement–time and velocity–time graphs, calculate displacement, velocity and acceleration, and apply the equations of constant acceleration to solve a wide range of examination problems.
 

AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.2.3.2 Motion Along a Straight Line
 

What You Need to Know

 

• Define displacement, velocity and acceleration.

• Distinguish between scalar quantities (distance and speed) and vector quantities (displacement, velocity and acceleration).

• Interpret displacement–time graphs.

• Interpret velocity–time graphs.

• Determine displacement from the area under a velocity–time graph.

• Determine acceleration from the gradient of a velocity–time graph.

• Apply the equations of motion for constant acceleration.

• Solve problems involving uniformly accelerated motion.

• Select and apply the most appropriate equation when solving examination questions.
   

 

Downloadable Topic Pack
 

Motion with Constant Acceleration Along a Straight Line Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
 

Related Topics
 

• Scalars, Vectors and Resultant Forces

• Projectile Motion and Free Fall

• Newton's Laws of Motion

• Work and Power

• Momentum