AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
Acceleration: final velocity, v, in metres per second, m/s
Final velocity, v, is the velocity of an object at the end of the time interval or displacement being considered.
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 23
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Final velocity, v, is the velocity of an object at the end of the time interval or displacement being considered. Velocity is a vector, so v has both magnitude and direction, and it is measured in metres per second (m/s). The value of v depends on the initial velocity u, the acceleration a and the time or displacement over which the motion occurs. For example, a cyclist moving at 4 m/s who accelerates at 1.5 m/s² for 6 s reaches v = u + a t = 4 + 1.5 × 6 = 13 m/s. When motion reverses, v can be negative if the chosen positive direction is opposite to the final motion. Always state the direction or sign convention when the motion is not in a single straight line.
What earns the marks
- Defines final velocity as the velocity at the end of the interval, including both magnitude and direction.
- States the unit of final velocity as metres per second, m/s, and uses it consistently in calculations.
- Distinguishes final velocity from initial velocity and from speed, recognising that velocity is a vector quantity.
- Calculates final velocity using an appropriate equation such as v = u + a t or v ² = u ² + 2 a s, with correct substitution and units.
- Interprets the sign of the final velocity in relation to the chosen positive direction.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating final velocity as a scalar and ignoring direction.
Put it right by stating the direction or sign convention alongside the magnitude.
Confusing final velocity with average velocity.
Put it right by using v for the velocity at the end of the interval and calculating average velocity separately if needed.
Using the wrong unit, such as m/s², for velocity.
Put it right by using metres per second, m/s, for velocity and metres per second squared, m/s², for acceleration.
Exam tips
- Underline the word final in the question so you do not accidentally calculate an initial or average velocity.
- Include the unit m/s with your answer and, where direction matters, state the direction or sign convention.
- If the object starts from rest, write u = 0 m/s explicitly before substituting into an equation.
Try the lesson
The start of the Acceleration: final velocity, v, in metres per second, m/s lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In physics equations, which symbol and unit are used to represent final velocity?
Listen
Final velocity, v, is the velocity of an object at the end of the time interval or displacement being considered. Velocity is a vector, so v has both magnitude and direction, and it is measured in metres per second (m/s). The value of v depends on the initial velocity u, the acceleration a and the time or displacement over which the motion occurs. For example, a cyclist moving at 4 m/s who accelerates at 1.5 m/s² for 6 s reaches v = u + a t = 4 + 1.5 × 6 = 13 m/s. When motion reverses, v can be negative if the chosen positive direction is opposite to the final motion. Always state the direction or sign convention when the motion is not in a single straight line. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Defines final velocity as the velocity at the end of the interval, including both magnitude and direction. States the unit of final velocity as metres per second, m/s, and uses it consistently in calculations. Distinguishes final velocity from initial velocity and from speed, recognising that velocity is a vector quantity. Calculates final velocity using an appropriate equation such as v = u + a t or v ² = u ² + 2 a s, with correct substitution and units. A common slip: Treating final velocity as a scalar and ignoring direction. Instead, stating the direction or sign convention alongside the magnitude. Exam tip: Underline the word final in the question so you do not accidentally calculate an initial or average velocity.
See it
Key words
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Final velocity
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Velocity
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Sign convention
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Initial velocity
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See every definition
- Final velocity
- The velocity of an object at the end of the time interval or displacement being considered, having both magnitude and direction.
- Velocity
- A vector quantity, so it has both magnitude and direction, and is measured in metres per second, m/s.
- Sign convention
- 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.
- Initial velocity
- The velocity u at the start of the motion, which together with acceleration a and time or displacement determines the value of the final velocity.
Label the diagram
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1Box 1
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3Box 3
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