AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Speed: running ̴ 3 m/s
Running is faster than walking, and a typical running speed is about 3 m/s.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 6 of 18
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Running is faster than walking, and a typical running speed is about 3 m/s. This means a runner covers roughly 3 metres each second. Using speed = distance ÷ time, you can calculate distance or time: for example, in 15 s a runner travels 3 m/s × 15 s = 45 m, and to run 60 m takes 60 m ÷ 3 m/s = 20 s. The symbol ̴ means approximately, so 3 m/s is an estimate for an average person jogging; sprinting speeds are higher and individual values vary. You should recognise this as a standard typical value, compare it with walking at about 1.5 m/s, and use it in calculations. When measuring running speed, time a measured distance and divide distance by time, keeping units consistent.
What earns the marks
- States that running speed is approximately 3 m/s, meaning about 3 metres travelled each second.
- Uses the relationship speed = distance ÷ time, or its rearrangements, to calculate distance or time from a running speed of 3 m/s.
- Applies the value in a calculation, for example distance = 3 m/s × 15 s = 45 m, or time = 60 m ÷ 3 m/s = 20 s.
- Recognises that 3 m/s is an approximate value and that actual running speeds vary between people and conditions.
- Compares running speed with walking speed, noting that running is about twice as fast as walking.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Writing the value as 3 m/s² or 3 m/s per second.
Put it right by using m/s for speed.
Using 3 m/s as an exact speed for every runner.
Put it right by treating it as a typical estimate and allowing for variation.
Forgetting to convert units, for example mixing seconds with minutes.
Put it right by ensuring all units are consistent.
Exam tips
- When a question asks for a typical running speed, write 3 m/s with the correct unit; do not leave the answer as a bare number.
- Show the equation you use, such as speed = distance ÷ time, then substitute values with units before calculating.
- Check that your final answer is sensible: a running distance in 10 s should be about 30 m, not 3 m or 300 m.
Try the lesson
The start of the Speed: running ̴ 3 m/s lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What is a typical speed for a person running?
Listen
Running is faster than walking, and a typical running speed is about 3 m/s. This means a runner covers roughly 3 metres each second. Using speed = distance ÷ time, you can calculate distance or time: for example, in 15 s a runner travels 3 m/s × 15 s = 45 m, and to run 60 m takes 60 m ÷ 3 m/s = 20 s. The symbol ̴ means approximately, so 3 m/s is an estimate for an average person jogging; sprinting speeds are higher and individual values vary. You should recognise this as a standard typical value, compare it with walking at about 1.5 m/s, and use it in calculations. When measuring running speed, time a measured distance and divide distance by time, keeping units consistent. A strong answer earns marks for these points. States that running speed is approximately 3 m/s, meaning about 3 metres travelled each second. Uses the relationship speed = distance ÷ time, or its rearrangements, to calculate distance or time from a running speed of 3 m/s. Applies the value in a calculation, for example distance = 3 m/s × 15 s = 45 m, or time = 60 m ÷ 3 m/s = 20 s. Recognises that 3 m/s is an approximate value and that actual running speeds vary between people and conditions. A common slip: Writing the value as 3 m/s² or 3 m/s per second: speed is measured in m/s, not m/s², because acceleration is the quantity with m/s². Instead, using m/s for speed. Exam tip: When a question asks for a typical running speed, write 3 m/s with the correct unit; do not leave the answer as a bare number.
See it
Key words
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Speed
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Typical values for human motion
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Approximation and estimation in physics
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See every definition
- Speed
- Distance travelled per unit time, calculated using speed = distance ÷ time or its rearrangements.
- Typical values for human motion
- Standard values such as running at approximately 3 m/s, compared with walking at about 1.5 m/s.
- Approximation and estimation in physics
- The symbol ̴ means approximately, so 3 m/s is an estimate for an average person jogging, and individual values vary.
Label the diagram
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1Box 1
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3Box 3
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