Edexcel IGCSE Physics 1.4 Average speed equation

Practise using average speed, distance and time in calculations, graph readings, unit conversions and show-that motion questions.

Exam points

state or rearrange v = s/t using standard symbols for distance, speed and time
calculate distance, speed or time from values in a table, graph or written context
convert between m/s and km/h before judging whether a speed limit is exceeded

[Maximum number: 3]

The photograph shows infrared heating lamps being used to harden fresh paint on a car.

Figure for Question 1.4 Average speed equation question 1 — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

The infrared heating lamps are placed 1.5 m from the car.

Calculate the time taken for infrared waves emitted from a lamp to reach the car.

[for infrared waves, speed = 3.0 x 10^8 m/s]

time = ............ s

Marking points:
- substitution into $\text{speed}=\frac{\text{distance}}{\text{time}}$
- rearrangement
- evaluation

Example:
$3.0\times10^{8}=\frac{1.5}{t}$ $t=\frac{1.5}{3.0\times10^{8}}$ $t=5.0\times10^{-9}\ \mathrm{s}$

Accept:
- $5\times10^{-9}\ \mathrm{s}$
- $0.000000005\ \mathrm{s}$

Marking guidance:
- Deduct 1 mark for power-of-ten error.

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1.4 Average speed equation question 1