AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Speed: cycling ̴ 6 m/s.
This fact states that a typical cycling speed is about 6 m/s.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 7 of 18
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This fact states that a typical cycling speed is about 6 m/s. To use it, recognise that 6 m/s means 6 metres travelled each second, so in 10 s a cyclist covers about 60 m. Compare it with walking (about 1.5 m/s) and running (about 3 m/s): cycling is roughly twice running speed. Convert to km/h by multiplying by 3.6, giving about 22 km/h, a sensible everyday value. In calculations, treat 6 m/s as an approximate typical value, not an exact constant; a specific cyclist may be slower uphill or faster downhill. When estimating, choose 6 m/s for a bicycle unless the question gives a measured value, and keep the unit m/s with the number.
What earns the marks
- States that 6 m/s means 6 metres travelled in each second.
- Uses the value to estimate distance, for example about 60 m in 10 s.
- Compares cycling with walking (about 1.5 m/s) and running (about 3 m/s).
- Converts 6 m/s to about 22 km/h by multiplying by 3.6.
- Recognises that typical values are approximate and may vary with conditions.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Writing 6 m/s as 6 m/s² — error.
Put it right: Speed is measured in m/s, acceleration in m/s².
Treating 6 m/s as an exact value for every cyclist — error.
Put it right: Use it for estimates and accept a range.
Forgetting to convert units when comparing with km/h — error.
Put it right: Multiply m/s by 3.6 to obtain km/h.
Exam tips
- Learn the typical speed values as a short list so recall questions are quick.
- Show the unit m/s with the number in every answer, as units are part of the value.
- When estimating, round sensibly and state that the value is approximate.
Try the lesson
The start of the Speed: cycling ̴ 6 m/s. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What is the typical speed of a person cycling on a flat road?
Listen
This fact states that a typical cycling speed is about 6 m/s. To use it, recognise that 6 m/s means 6 metres travelled each second, so in 10 s a cyclist covers about 60 m. Compare it with walking (about 1.5 m/s) and running (about 3 m/s): cycling is roughly twice running speed. Convert to km/h by multiplying by 3.6, giving about 22 km/h, a sensible everyday value. In calculations, treat 6 m/s as an approximate typical value, not an exact constant; a specific cyclist may be slower uphill or faster downhill. When estimating, choose 6 m/s for a bicycle unless the question gives a measured value, and keep the unit m/s with the number. A strong answer earns marks for these points. States that 6 m/s means 6 metres travelled in each second. Uses the value to estimate distance, for example about 60 m in 10 s. Compares cycling with walking (about 1.5 m/s) and running (about 3 m/s). Converts 6 m/s to about 22 km/h by multiplying by 3.6. A common slip: Writing 6 m/s as 6 m/s² — error: confusing speed with acceleration. Instead, speed is measured in m/s, acceleration in m/s². Exam tip: Learn the typical speed values as a short list so recall questions are quick.
See it
Key words
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Typical values of speed
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Estimation in physics
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Unit conversion
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Comparing modes of transport
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See every definition
- Typical values of speed
- Approximate values used for estimates, such as about 6 m/s for cycling, rather than exact constants.
- Estimation in physics
- Choosing a typical value, such as 6 m/s for a bicycle, to work out an approximate answer when no measured value is given.
- Unit conversion
- Multiplying a speed in m/s by 3.6 to obtain the speed in km/h.
- Comparing modes of transport
- Setting typical speeds against each other, such as cycling being roughly twice running speed.
Label the diagram
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