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CAIE A-Level Physics 2.1.1 Distance, Displacement, Speed, Velocity and Acceleration

Practise defining and calculating distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration from descriptions, data, graphs or equations with signs and units.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
AS

Exam points

  • Define and distinguish distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration, including scalar/vector status and units.
  • Calculate or interpret these quantities from a stated motion, data table, graph or equation.
  • Translate between displacement, velocity and acceleration descriptions while preserving sign, direction, units and reference point.
  • Check the physical meaning and plausibility of the result in the motion context.

2.1.1—Distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A pendulum consists of a solid sphere suspended by a string from a fixed point P , as shown in Fig. 3.1.

Fig. 3.1 (not to scale)

Fig. 3.1 (not to scale)

The sphere swings from side to side. At one instant the sphere is at its lowest position X , where it has kinetic energy 0.86 J and momentum 0.72 Ns in a horizontal direction. A short time later the sphere is at position Y , where it is momentarily stationary at a maximum vertical height h above position X.

The string has a fixed length and negligible weight. Air resistance is also negligible.

On Fig. 3.1, draw a solid line to represent the displacement of the centre of the sphere at position Y from position X .

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