Physics GCSE
Sign convention
What Sign convention means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Sign convention
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Sign convention in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The chosen positive direction, which must be stated when the motion is not in a single straight line, so that a final velocity can be negative if the motion reverses.
Topics that use Sign convention
- Acceleration (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Acceleration
- Acceleration and units
- area under a graph
- Area under a graph as a physical quantity
- Average acceleration
- Change in velocity
- Compound geometric shapes in physics
- Direction convention
Using Sign convention 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.
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