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IB Physics SL A.1.3 Displacement Question Bank

Practise IB Physics SL A.1.3 by calculating displacement and distinguishing it from distance in one- and two-dimensional motion.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Use the signed area under a velocity-time graph to calculate displacement.
  • Distinguish displacement from distance using direction, sign and the path taken.
  • Apply horizontal and vertical motion information to find a displacement or position.

A.1.3—Displacement question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about kinematics and gravitation. Part 2 is about radioactivity.
Part 1 Kinematics and gravitation
A ball is released near the surface of the Moon at time t=0. The point of release is on a straight line between the centre of Earth and the centre of the Moon. The graph below shows the variation with time t of the displacement s of the ball from the point of release.

Figure for Question A.1.3—Displacement question 1 — IB Physics SL

State the significance of the negative values of s.

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