Physics GCSE
light gates
What light gates means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of light gates
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain light gates in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Apparatus placed at two points that gives the speed at each point, so the change in speed divided by the time between the gates gives acceleration or deceleration.
Used for timing anything faster, because a human reaction time of around 0.2 s is a large fraction of a short interval.
Topics that use light gates
Related terms
- average speed
- distance travelled
- Acceleration
- Accurate reading of scales
- Appropriate apparatus selection
- Area as displacement
- Change in velocity
- Choosing appropriate measuring instruments
Using light gates in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Physics GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge