Acceleration Revision Notes

    Subject: Physics | Level: GCSE | Exam Board: OCR

    Acceleration is a fundamental vector quantity in OCR GCSE Physics, defined as the rate of change of velocity and measured in metres per second squared (m/s²). Mastery of this topic requires confident use of two key equations — a = (v−u)/t and v² = u² + 2as — alongside the ability to extract acceleration from the gradient of a velocity-time graph. This topic carries significant exam weight within Topic P2 (Forces) and underpins Newton's Second Law, projectile motion, and terminal velocity, making it one of the highest-leverage topics a candidate can revise.

    Revision Notes & Key Concepts

    ![Acceleration — OCR GCSE Physics Topic P2](https://xnnrgnazirrqvdgfhvou.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/study-guide-assets/guide_0d6257f5-8191-4ba6-ad26-07c9d887caa4/header_image.png) ## Overview Acceleration sits at the heart of OCR GCSE Physics Topic P2 (Forces) and is assessed across both Foundation and Higher tiers. At its core, acceleration describes how quickly an object's velocity is changing — not merely its speed, but its velocity, which is a vector quantity possessing both magnitude and direction. This distinction is not merely semantic: it is tested directly in exam questions, and candidates who conflate speed with velocity routinely lose marks. The topic is important because it bridges kinematics (the description of motion) with dynamics (the causes of motion). Understanding acceleration is a prerequisite for Newton's Second Law (F = ma), terminal velocity, and projectile motion. OCR examiners regularly set questions that require candidates to move fluidly between equations and graphical representations, rewarding those who can interpret a velocity-time graph as confidently as they can substitute values into a formula. Typical exam question styles include: one-mark 'state' questions asking for the definition or unit of acceleration; three-to-four-mark calculation questions using a = (v−u)/t; four-to-six-mark Higher-tier questions applying v² = u² + 2as; and graph-based questions requiring candidates to calculate a gradient or identify the type of motion from a velocity-time graph. Assessment Objective weightings for this topic are AO1 (30%), AO2 (40%), and AO3 (30%), meaning the majority of marks reward application and analysis rather than simple recall. --- ## Key Concepts ### Concept 1: Acceleration as a Vector Quantity Acceleration is defined as **the rate of change of velocity**. This is the precise, mark-scheme-approved definition that OCR examiners require. Candidates must understand that because velocity is a vector (it has both magnitude and direction), acceleration is also a vector. This has a profound implication: an object can be accelerating even when its speed is constant, provided its direction is changing. A car travelling at a steady 30 m/s around a bend is accelerating because the direction of its velocity vector is continuously changing. The unit of acceleration is **metres per second squared (m/s²)**. This is derived from the definition: a change in velocity (m/s) divided by a time interval (s) gives m/s ÷ s = m/s². Candidates who write m/s instead of m/s² will be penalised one mark — this is one of the most frequently cited errors in OCR examiner reports. **Analogy**: Think of velocity as a car's speedometer needle pointing in a specific direction on a compass. Acceleration is how fast that needle is swinging — either in speed, direction, or both. ### Concept 2: The Primary Equation — a = (v − u) / t The foundational equation for acceleration is: > **a = (v − u) / t** where **a** is acceleration (m/s²), **v** is final velocity (m/s), **u** is initial velocity (m/s), and **t** is time taken (s). This equation is used whenever a question provides or asks about time. Before substituting values, candidates should identify two key shortcuts: if the object **starts from rest**, then u = 0, simplifying the equation to a = v/t; if the object **comes to a stop**, then v = 0, simplifying to a = −u/t. **Example**: A train accelerates from 5 m/s to 25 m/s in 10 seconds. Calculate the acceleration. - a = (25 − 5) / 10 = 20 / 10 = **2 m/s²** ### Concept 3: Deceleration and Negative Acceleration Deceleration is not a separate physical quantity — it is simply acceleration with a negative value. When an object slows down in the positive direction of motion, its acceleration is negative. Examiners award a specific mark for including the negative sign in deceleration answers; omitting it will cost a mark even if the magnitude is correct. **Example**: A cyclist brakes from 12 m/s to rest in 4 seconds. - a = (0 − 12) / 4 = −12 / 4 = **−3 m/s²** - The negative sign confirms deceleration. ### Concept 4: The Higher-Tier Equation — v² = u² + 2as **(Higher Tier)** When a question provides displacement (distance) rather than time, candidates must use the equation of motion: > **v² = u² + 2as** where **s** is displacement in metres. This equation is particularly powerful because it eliminates time entirely. The most critical procedural error — highlighted in every OCR examiner report — is failing to square the velocity terms before performing any arithmetic. The correct sequence is: write the equation, substitute values with v and u already squared, then rearrange. ![Acceleration Formula Reference Card — keep this visible while revising](https://xnnrgnazirrqvdgfhvou.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/study-guide-assets/guide_0d6257f5-8191-4ba6-ad26-07c9d887caa4/formula_reference_card.png) **Example**: A car travelling at 20 m/s brakes to a stop over a distance of 40 m. Calculate the deceleration. - v² = u² + 2as → 0 = (20)² + 2a(40) → 0 = 400 + 80a → a = −400/80 = **−5 m/s²** ### Concept 5: Velocity-Time Graphs Velocity-time (v-t) graphs are a central examination skill for this topic. The key relationships are: | Feature of v-t Graph | Physical Meaning | |---|---| | Positive gradient (upward slope) | Positive acceleration | | Negative gradient (downward slope) | Deceleration | | Zero gradient (horizontal line) | Constant velocity (zero acceleration) | | Straight line | Uniform (constant) acceleration | | Curve | Non-uniform (changing) acceleration | | Area under the graph | Displacement (m) | To calculate acceleration from a straight-line v-t graph, candidates must draw a large right-angled triangle spanning as much of the line as possible, then calculate: **gradient = rise ÷ run = Δv ÷ Δt**. A small triangle introduces significant reading error and will produce an inaccurate answer. For a curved v-t graph (Higher Tier), the instantaneous acceleration at a specific point is found by drawing a **tangent** to the curve at that point and calculating the gradient of the tangent. ![The four key velocity-time graph shapes and their physical meanings](https://xnnrgnazirrqvdgfhvou.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/study-guide-assets/guide_0d6257f5-8191-4ba6-ad26-07c9d887caa4/vt_graph_diagram.png) --- ## Mathematical Relationships ### Formula 1: a = (v − u) / t - **Status**: Must memorise (not provided on OCR formula sheet) - **Use when**: Time is given or asked for - **Rearrangements**: v = u + at | u = v − at | t = (v − u) / a ### Formula 2: v² = u² + 2as *(Higher Tier)* - **Status**: Must memorise - **Use when**: Displacement is given or asked for, and time is absent - **Rearrangements**: u² = v² − 2as | s = (v² − u²) / 2a | a = (v² − u²) / 2s ### Formula 3: Gradient of v-t graph = acceleration - **Status**: Graph skill — must understand conceptually - **Formula**: a = Δv / Δt = (v₂ − v₁) / (t₂ − t₁) ### Unit Conversions | Common Error | Correct Approach | |---|---| | Speed in km/h → must convert to m/s | Divide by 3.6 (e.g., 72 km/h = 20 m/s) | | Distance in km → must convert to m | Multiply by 1000 | | Time in minutes → must convert to seconds | Multiply by 60 | --- ## Practical Applications Acceleration is observable in numerous real-world contexts that OCR may use as question contexts. A Formula 1 car can accelerate from 0 to 27.8 m/s (100 km/h) in approximately 2.6 seconds, giving an acceleration of about 10.7 m/s² — comparable to the acceleration due to gravity. Braking distances in road safety depend directly on deceleration; this context is frequently used in OCR questions linking acceleration to stopping distances and thinking distances. In free fall, all objects near Earth's surface accelerate at approximately **9.8 m/s²** (often approximated as 10 m/s² in GCSE calculations) due to gravity. This value is given on the OCR data sheet and should be used unless the question specifies otherwise. **Required Practical Link**: While there is no standalone required practical exclusively for acceleration in OCR GCSE, the topic is assessed through the investigation of motion using light gates, ticker timers, or motion sensors. Candidates should be able to describe how to measure acceleration experimentally: record velocity at two points in time using a light gate, calculate a = (v − u) / t. Common sources of error include friction on the ramp, inaccurate timing, and parallax error when reading distances. ![OCR GCSE Physics Podcast — Acceleration (Topic P2, Section 1.5)](https://xnnrgnazirrqvdgfhvou.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/study-guide-assets/guide_0d6257f5-8191-4ba6-ad26-07c9d887caa4/acceleration_podcast.mp3) --- ## Tier Content Summary | Content | Foundation | Higher | |---|---|---| | Definition of acceleration | Yes | Yes | | a = (v−u)/t | Yes | Yes | | Gradient of v-t graph | Yes | Yes | | Area under v-t graph | Yes | Yes | | Deceleration as negative acceleration | Yes | Yes | | v² = u² + 2as | No | Yes | | Tangent to curved v-t graph | No | Yes | | Non-uniform acceleration | No | Yes |

    Revision Podcast Transcript

    Hello, and welcome to your OCR GCSE Physics revision podcast. I'm your tutor for today, and we're diving deep into one of the most important topics in the Forces unit: Acceleration. Whether you're sitting Foundation or Higher tier, this episode is going to give you everything you need to walk into that exam feeling completely confident. So grab a pen, get comfortable, and let's get started. [SECTION 1 — INTRO] Acceleration is one of those topics that sounds straightforward but hides some really sneaky traps that catch out even the brightest students every single year. Today we're going to make sure you are not one of those students. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly what acceleration is, how to calculate it, how to read it from a graph, and — crucially — how to avoid the mistakes that cost candidates marks in the real exam. We'll also do a quick-fire quiz at the end to test your recall, so stay with me all the way through. [SECTION 2 — CORE CONCEPTS] Let's start with the definition, because in the OCR exam, you will almost certainly be asked to 'state' what acceleration is. And the mark scheme is very specific. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. That's it. Four words that are worth one mark. Rate of change of velocity. Not speed — velocity. This distinction matters enormously because velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Acceleration, therefore, is also a vector. This means an object can accelerate even if its speed stays the same — for example, a car going around a roundabout at a constant speed is still accelerating because its direction is changing. That's a classic Higher-tier question, so keep it in mind. Now, the first equation you need is: a equals v minus u, all divided by t. Let me break that down. A is acceleration, measured in metres per second squared — and please, please write metres per second squared, not metres per second. This is the single most common unit error in the entire topic, and examiners see it every year. V is the final velocity in metres per second. U is the initial velocity — that's the starting velocity — also in metres per second. And T is the time taken, in seconds. So if a car accelerates from 10 metres per second to 30 metres per second in 5 seconds, the acceleration is 30 minus 10, which is 20, divided by 5, which gives us 4 metres per second squared. Clean, simple, and worth full marks if you show your working. Now here's a really important shortcut that saves time in the exam. Always check whether the object starts from rest or comes to a stop. If it starts from rest, then u equals zero, so you can immediately simplify your equation. If it comes to a stop, then v equals zero. Spotting this instantly simplifies your calculation and reduces the chance of error. What about deceleration? Deceleration is simply a negative acceleration. If an object is slowing down in the positive direction of motion, its acceleration has a negative value. So if a cyclist decelerates from 12 metres per second to zero in 4 seconds, the acceleration is zero minus 12, divided by 4, which equals negative 3 metres per second squared. The negative sign tells us it's decelerating. Examiners will award a mark specifically for including that negative sign, so never drop it. Now let's talk about the second equation, which is Higher-tier content: v squared equals u squared plus 2as. This is the equation of motion that connects velocity, acceleration, and displacement without needing time. So when a question gives you distance or displacement instead of time, this is your equation. S here stands for displacement, measured in metres. The most common error with this equation — and I cannot stress this enough — is failing to square the velocities before you do anything else. You must square v and u first, then subtract. Students who write v minus u squared instead of v squared minus u squared lose the mark every time. So the process is: write out v squared equals u squared plus 2as, substitute your values in with the velocities already squared, then rearrange to find what you need. For example: a ball is thrown upwards with an initial velocity of 15 metres per second and decelerates due to gravity at 10 metres per second squared. How far does it travel before stopping? V equals zero because it stops. U equals 15. A equals negative 10. Rearranging: s equals v squared minus u squared, all divided by 2a. That's zero squared minus 15 squared, divided by 2 times negative 10. That's zero minus 225, divided by negative 20. That gives us positive 11.25 metres. Now let's move to graphs, because graph questions appear in almost every OCR Physics paper. On a velocity-time graph, the gradient — that's the slope — gives you the acceleration. If the line slopes upward, the object is accelerating. If it slopes downward, it's decelerating. If the line is horizontal, the acceleration is zero and the object is moving at constant velocity. To calculate the gradient, you draw a large right-angled triangle on the line and calculate rise divided by run. Rise is the change in velocity, run is the change in time. The bigger your triangle, the more accurate your answer. If the graph shows a curve rather than a straight line, the acceleration is changing — this is non-uniform acceleration. To find the acceleration at a specific instant, you must draw a tangent to the curve at that point and calculate the gradient of the tangent. This is Higher-tier content. One more thing about velocity-time graphs: the area under the graph gives you the displacement. [SECTION 3 — EXAM TIPS AND COMMON MISTAKES] Right, let's talk exam technique, because knowing the physics is only half the battle. First: command words. If the question says 'state', give a brief factual answer — no explanation needed. If it says 'calculate', you must show every step of your working, write the formula, substitute values, and include the correct unit in your final answer. If you get the number wrong but your method is correct, you can still earn method marks. Always show your working. Now, the top five mistakes I see every year. Number one: writing m/s instead of m/s squared for the unit of acceleration. Number two: not squaring the velocities in v squared equals u squared plus 2as. Number three: reading the gradient from a distance-time graph instead of a velocity-time graph. Number four: forgetting the negative sign for deceleration. Number five: drawing a tiny gradient triangle on a graph. [SECTION 4 — QUICK-FIRE RECALL QUIZ] Okay, it's quiz time! Question one: What is the definition of acceleration? … Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. Question two: What are the units of acceleration? … Metres per second squared. Question three: What does the gradient of a velocity-time graph represent? … Acceleration. Question four: What does the area under a velocity-time graph represent? … Displacement. Question five: What does s stand for in v squared equals u squared plus 2as? … Displacement, in metres. Question six: A car decelerates from 20 m/s to rest in 4 seconds — what is the acceleration? … Negative 5 metres per second squared. [SECTION 5 — SUMMARY AND SIGN-OFF] One: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity — a vector quantity measured in metres per second squared. Two: Use a equals v minus u divided by t for most calculations. Three: Always square the velocities in v squared equals u squared plus 2as before doing anything else. Four: Gradient of a v-t graph equals acceleration; area under it equals displacement. Five: Deceleration is negative acceleration — always include the negative sign. Six: Check your units every single time. That's everything for today's episode on Acceleration. Good luck in your exam. You've got this. See you in the next episode.

    Key Terms & Definitions

    Acceleration
    The rate of change of velocity of an object. Acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time taken. It is a vector quantity measured in metres per second squared (m/s²).
    Velocity
    The speed of an object in a given direction. It is a vector quantity measured in metres per second (m/s). Velocity differs from speed in that it specifies direction.
    Deceleration
    A decrease in the speed of an object in its direction of motion. Deceleration is equivalent to a negative acceleration — the acceleration vector points opposite to the direction of motion.
    Uniform acceleration
    Acceleration that is constant in magnitude and direction over a period of time. On a velocity-time graph, uniform acceleration is represented by a straight line with a non-zero gradient.
    Displacement
    The distance travelled by an object in a specific direction from its starting point. It is a vector quantity measured in metres (m). On a v-t graph, displacement equals the area under the graph.
    Gradient (of a v-t graph)
    The slope of a velocity-time graph, calculated as the change in velocity divided by the change in time (Δv/Δt). The gradient of a v-t graph is numerically equal to the acceleration of the object.
    Vector quantity
    A physical quantity that has both magnitude (size) and direction. Acceleration, velocity, displacement, and force are all vectors. This contrasts with scalar quantities (e.g., speed, distance, mass) which have magnitude only.
    Free fall
    The motion of an object accelerating under gravity alone, with no other forces acting (i.e., no air resistance). Near Earth's surface, the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s² (taken as 10 m/s² in GCSE calculations).

    Worked Examples

    Practice Questions

    Acceleration

    OCR
    GCSE
    Physics

    Acceleration is a fundamental vector quantity in OCR GCSE Physics, defined as the rate of change of velocity and measured in metres per second squared (m/s²). Mastery of this topic requires confident use of two key equations — a = (v−u)/t and v² = u² + 2as — alongside the ability to extract acceleration from the gradient of a velocity-time graph. This topic carries significant exam weight within Topic P2 (Forces) and underpins Newton's Second Law, projectile motion, and terminal velocity, making it one of the highest-leverage topics a candidate can revise.

    8
    Min Read
    5
    Examples
    5
    Questions
    8
    Key Terms
    🎙 Podcast Episode
    Acceleration
    0:00-0:00

    Study Notes

    Acceleration — OCR GCSE Physics Topic P2

    Overview

    Acceleration sits at the heart of OCR GCSE Physics Topic P2 (Forces) and is assessed across both Foundation and Higher tiers. At its core, acceleration describes how quickly an object's velocity is changing — not merely its speed, but its velocity, which is a vector quantity possessing both magnitude and direction. This distinction is not merely semantic: it is tested directly in exam questions, and candidates who conflate speed with velocity routinely lose marks.

    The topic is important because it bridges kinematics (the description of motion) with dynamics (the causes of motion). Understanding acceleration is a prerequisite for Newton's Second Law (F = ma), terminal velocity, and projectile motion. OCR examiners regularly set questions that require candidates to move fluidly between equations and graphical representations, rewarding those who can interpret a velocity-time graph as confidently as they can substitute values into a formula.

    Typical exam question styles include: one-mark 'state' questions asking for the definition or unit of acceleration; three-to-four-mark calculation questions using a = (v−u)/t; four-to-six-mark Higher-tier questions applying v² = u² + 2as; and graph-based questions requiring candidates to calculate a gradient or identify the type of motion from a velocity-time graph. Assessment Objective weightings for this topic are AO1 (30%), AO2 (40%), and AO3 (30%), meaning the majority of marks reward application and analysis rather than simple recall.

    Key Concepts

    Concept 1: Acceleration as a Vector Quantity

    Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity. This is the precise, mark-scheme-approved definition that OCR examiners require. Candidates must understand that because velocity is a vector (it has both magnitude and direction), acceleration is also a vector. This has a profound implication: an object can be accelerating even when its speed is constant, provided its direction is changing. A car travelling at a steady 30 m/s around a bend is accelerating because the direction of its velocity vector is continuously changing.

    The unit of acceleration is metres per second squared (m/s²). This is derived from the definition: a change in velocity (m/s) divided by a time interval (s) gives m/s ÷ s = m/s². Candidates who write m/s instead of m/s² will be penalised one mark — this is one of the most frequently cited errors in OCR examiner reports.

    Analogy: Think of velocity as a car's speedometer needle pointing in a specific direction on a compass. Acceleration is how fast that needle is swinging — either in speed, direction, or both.

    Concept 2: The Primary Equation — a = (v − u) / t

    The foundational equation for acceleration is:

    a = (v − u) / twhere a is acceleration (m/s²), v is final velocity (m/s), u is initial velocity (m/s), and t is time taken (s).

    This equation is used whenever a question provides or asks about time. Before substituting values, candidates should identify two key shortcuts: if the object starts from rest, then u = 0, simplifying the equation to a = v/t; if the object comes to a stop, then v = 0, simplifying to a = −u/t.

    Example: A train accelerates from 5 m/s to 25 m/s in 10 seconds. Calculate the acceleration.

    • a = (25 − 5) / 10 = 20 / 10 = 2 m/s²

    Concept 3: Deceleration and Negative Acceleration

    Deceleration is not a separate physical quantity — it is simply acceleration with a negative value. When an object slows down in the positive direction of motion, its acceleration is negative. Examiners award a specific mark for including the negative sign in deceleration answers; omitting it will cost a mark even if the magnitude is correct.

    Example: A cyclist brakes from 12 m/s to rest in 4 seconds.

    • a = (0 − 12) / 4 = −12 / 4 = −3 m/s²
    • The negative sign confirms deceleration.

    Concept 4: The Higher-Tier Equation — v² = u² + 2as

    (Higher Tier) When a question provides displacement (distance) rather than time, candidates must use the equation of motion:

    v² = u² + 2aswhere s is displacement in metres. This equation is particularly powerful because it eliminates time entirely. The most critical procedural error — highlighted in every OCR examiner report — is failing to square the velocity terms before performing any arithmetic. The correct sequence is: write the equation, substitute values with v and u already squared, then rearrange.

    Acceleration Formula Reference Card — keep this visible while revising

    Example: A car travelling at 20 m/s brakes to a stop over a distance of 40 m. Calculate the deceleration.

    • v² = u² + 2as → 0 = (20)² + 2a(40) → 0 = 400 + 80a → a = −400/80 = −5 m/s²

    Concept 5: Velocity-Time Graphs

    Velocity-time (v-t) graphs are a central examination skill for this topic. The key relationships are:

    Feature of v-t GraphPhysical Meaning
    Positive gradient (upward slope)Positive acceleration
    Negative gradient (downward slope)Deceleration
    Zero gradient (horizontal line)Constant velocity (zero acceleration)
    Straight lineUniform (constant) acceleration
    CurveNon-uniform (changing) acceleration
    Area under the graphDisplacement (m)

    To calculate acceleration from a straight-line v-t graph, candidates must draw a large right-angled triangle spanning as much of the line as possible, then calculate: gradient = rise ÷ run = Δv ÷ Δt. A small triangle introduces significant reading error and will produce an inaccurate answer.

    For a curved v-t graph (Higher Tier), the instantaneous acceleration at a specific point is found by drawing a tangent to the curve at that point and calculating the gradient of the tangent.

    The four key velocity-time graph shapes and their physical meanings

    Mathematical Relationships

    Formula 1: a = (v − u) / t

    • Status: Must memorise (not provided on OCR formula sheet)
    • Use when: Time is given or asked for
    • Rearrangements: v = u + at | u = v − at | t = (v − u) / a

    Formula 2: v² = u² + 2as (Higher Tier)

    • Status: Must memorise
    • Use when: Displacement is given or asked for, and time is absent
    • Rearrangements: u² = v² − 2as | s = (v² − u²) / 2a | a = (v² − u²) / 2s

    Formula 3: Gradient of v-t graph = acceleration

    • Status: Graph skill — must understand conceptually
    • Formula: a = Δv / Δt = (v₂ − v₁) / (t₂ − t₁)

    Unit Conversions

    Common ErrorCorrect Approach
    Speed in km/h → must convert to m/sDivide by 3.6 (e.g., 72 km/h = 20 m/s)
    Distance in km → must convert to mMultiply by 1000
    Time in minutes → must convert to secondsMultiply by 60

    Practical Applications

    Acceleration is observable in numerous real-world contexts that OCR may use as question contexts. A Formula 1 car can accelerate from 0 to 27.8 m/s (100 km/h) in approximately 2.6 seconds, giving an acceleration of about 10.7 m/s² — comparable to the acceleration due to gravity. Braking distances in road safety depend directly on deceleration; this context is frequently used in OCR questions linking acceleration to stopping distances and thinking distances.

    In free fall, all objects near Earth's surface accelerate at approximately 9.8 m/s² (often approximated as 10 m/s² in GCSE calculations) due to gravity. This value is given on the OCR data sheet and should be used unless the question specifies otherwise.

    Required Practical Link: While there is no standalone required practical exclusively for acceleration in OCR GCSE, the topic is assessed through the investigation of motion using light gates, ticker timers, or motion sensors. Candidates should be able to describe how to measure acceleration experimentally: record velocity at two points in time using a light gate, calculate a = (v − u) / t. Common sources of error include friction on the ramp, inaccurate timing, and parallax error when reading distances.

    OCR GCSE Physics Podcast — Acceleration (Topic P2, Section 1.5)

    Tier Content Summary

    ContentFoundationHigher
    Definition of accelerationYesYes
    a = (v−u)/tYesYes
    Gradient of v-t graphYesYes
    Area under v-t graphYesYes
    Deceleration as negative accelerationYesYes
    v² = u² + 2asNoYes
    Tangent to curved v-t graphNoYes
    Non-uniform accelerationNoYes

    Visual Resources

    4 diagrams and illustrations

    The four key velocity-time graph shapes and their physical meanings
    The four key velocity-time graph shapes and their physical meanings
    Acceleration Formula Reference Card — keep this visible while revising
    Acceleration Formula Reference Card — keep this visible while revising
    Acceleration concept map — overview of all key ideas and their connections
    Acceleration concept map — overview of all key ideas and their connections
    Exam question decision flowchart for Acceleration
    Exam question decision flowchart for Acceleration

    Interactive Diagrams

    2 interactive diagrams to visualise key concepts

    Concept map showing the key relationships and ideas within the Acceleration topic. Use this as a revision overview to check you can explain every node and connection.

    Exam question decision flowchart for Acceleration. Follow this flowchart when approaching any acceleration question to select the correct equation and approach.

    Worked Examples

    5 detailed examples with solutions and examiner commentary

    Practice Questions

    Test your understanding — click to reveal model answers

    Q1

    State what is meant by the term 'acceleration'. (1 mark)

    1 marks
    foundation

    Hint: Think about what is changing and how quickly it is changing.

    Q2

    A sprinter starts from rest and reaches a velocity of 9 m/s in 3 seconds. Calculate the acceleration of the sprinter. Give the unit in your answer. (3 marks)

    3 marks
    foundation

    Hint: The sprinter starts from rest — what does this tell you about u?

    Q3

    A velocity-time graph shows a straight line from (0, 2) to (5, 12), where the x-axis is time in seconds and the y-axis is velocity in m/s. Calculate the acceleration. (3 marks)

    3 marks
    standard

    Hint: The gradient of a velocity-time graph equals acceleration. Draw a triangle using the two given points.

    Q4

    A motorbike travelling at 25 m/s brakes and decelerates uniformly to rest over a distance of 31.25 m. Calculate the deceleration of the motorbike. (4 marks) [Higher Tier]

    4 marks
    challenging

    Hint: Time is not given — which equation connects v, u, a, and s? Remember to square the velocities.

    Q5

    A ball is dropped from rest and falls freely under gravity (g = 10 m/s²). (a) Calculate the velocity of the ball after 3 seconds. (2 marks) (b) The ball hits the ground with a velocity of 14 m/s. Calculate the distance it fell. (3 marks) [Higher Tier for part b]

    5 marks
    challenging

    Hint: Part (a): the ball starts from rest, so u = 0. Part (b): use v² = u² + 2as with the answer from part (a) as u and 14 m/s as v... wait — re-read the question. The ball is dropped from rest, so u = 0 throughout.

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