Edexcel IGCSE Physics 1.8 Acceleration From Graph Gradients Questions

Use two points on a velocity-time graph—or a tangent on a curve—to find acceleration, then interpret the gradient's sign and steepness.

Exam points

calculate acceleration from a velocity-time graph gradient using two suitable readings
interpret negative gradients when calculating braking acceleration
explain how a shallower post-collision gradient shows smaller acceleration magnitude

[Maximum number: 3]

The diagram shows a velocity-time graph for a car from the time the driver sees an obstacle in the road until the car comes to rest.

Figure for Question Edexcel IGCSE Physics 1.8 Acceleration From Graph Gradients Questions question 1 — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

Calculate the acceleration of the car between 1.8 and 8.0 seconds.

acceleration = ............ m/s^2

Marking points:
- use of acceleration $=\frac{\text{change in velocity}}{\text{time}}$
- substitution
- evaluation

Example:
$\text{acceleration}=\frac{-30}{6.2}$ $\text{acceleration}=-4.8\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}$

Accept:
- clear indication that acceleration is gradient
- -4.8 to $-5.0\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}$

Ignore:
- minus sign

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Edexcel IGCSE Physics 1.8 Acceleration From Graph Gradients Questions question 1