Cambridge IGCSE Physics

1.2Motion

Motion in Cambridge IGCSE Physics: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.

Subtopic62 practice questions4 lessons

Learning objectives

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.

1.2.1Define speed as distance travelled per unit time and use v = s/t.
1.2.2Define velocity as speed in a stated direction.
1.2.3Calculate average speed as total distance travelled divided by total time taken.
1.2.4Sketch, plot and interpret distance-time and speed-time graphs.
1.2.5Decide from data or from the shape of a distance-time or speed-time graph whether an object is at rest, moving at constant speed, speeding up or slowing down.
1.2.6Find speed from the gradient of a straight section of a distance-time graph.
1.2.7Find the distance travelled from the area under a speed-time graph for constant speed or constant acceleration.
1.2.8State that near the Earth's surface the acceleration of free fall g is roughly constant at about 9.8 m/s².
1.2.9Supplement: define acceleration as change in velocity per unit time and use a = Δv/Δt.
1.2.10Supplement: decide from data or a speed-time graph whether the acceleration is constant or changing.
1.2.11Supplement: find acceleration from the gradient of a speed-time graph.
1.2.12Supplement: treat a deceleration as a negative acceleration in calculations.
1.2.13Supplement: describe how objects fall in a uniform gravitational field with and without air or liquid resistance, including terminal velocity.

A sample question on this topic. Answer it, check it, then read the worked answer.

Practise with instant marking, see your mastery grow and get a study plan built around your exam date.