Kinematics Graphs

minutes

87 marks

Page 1 of 22
Q1. The graph shows how the velocity of a train varies as it moves along a straight railway line.

(a) Find the total distance travelled by the train.

(4)

(b) Find the average speed of the train.

(2)

(c) Find the acceleration of the train during the first 10 seconds of its motion.
(2)

(d) The mass of the train is 200 tonnes. Find the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the
train during the first 10 seconds of its motion.
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Q2. A pair of cameras records the time that it takes a car on a motorway to travel a distance of
2000 metres. A car passes the first camera whilst travelling at 32 m s–1.
The car continues at this speed for 12.5 seconds and then decelerates uniformly until it passes
the second camera when its speed has decreased to 18 m s–1.

(a) Calculate the distance travelled by the car in the first 12.5 seconds.
(1)

(b) Find the time for which the car is decelerating.

(3)

(c) Sketch a speed–time graph for the car on this 2000-metre stretch of motorway.
(3)

(d) Find the average speed of the car on this 2000-metre stretch of motorway.
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Page 2 of 22
Q3. A bus slows down as it approaches a bus stop. It stops at the bus stop and remains at rest
for a short time as the passengers get on. It then accelerates away from the bus stop. The
graph shows how the velocity of the bus varies.

Assume that the bus travels in a straight line during the motion described by the graph.

(a) State the length of time for which the bus is at rest.
(1)

(b) Find the distance travelled by the bus in the first 40 seconds.
(2)

(c) Find the total distance travelled by the bus in the 120-second period.
(2)

(d) Find the average speed of the bus in the 120-second period.
(2)

(e) If the bus had not stopped but had travelled at a constant 20 m s–1 for the
120-second period, how much further would it have travelled?
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q4. The diagram shows a velocity–time graph for a lift.

(a) Find the distance travelled by the lift.

(3)

(b) Find the acceleration of the lift during the first 4 seconds of the motion.
(1)

Page 3 of 22
 (c) The lift is raised by a single vertical cable. The mass of the lift is 400 kg. Find the tension in
the cable during the first 4 seconds of the motion.
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q5. A rabbit runs in a horizontal straight line ABC across a field.

(a) The rabbit runs from rest at A with a constant acceleration of 0.8 m s–2 and reaches B after
3 seconds.

Find its speed at B.

(2)

(b) The rabbit then runs from B with constant speed and reaches C after a further 4 seconds.

Sketch a velocity-time graph of the motion of the rabbit as it runs from A to C.

(3)

(c) Find the average speed of the rabbit as it runs from A to C.

(5)
(Total 10 marks)

Q6. The velocity-time graph below represents the three stages of the motion of a coach moving
along a straight horizontal road. Initially the coach has velocity 18 m s–1.

–2
(a) During the first stage of the motion, the coach decelerates at a constant rate of a m s for
10 seconds until it reaches a velocity of 12 m s –1.

(i) Find the value of a .

(2)

(ii) Find the distance that the coach travels during the 10 seconds.
(2)

(b) During the second stage of the motion, the coach travels for 20 seconds with constant
velocity 12 m s–1. Find the distance that the coach travels during these 20 seconds.
(1)

Page 4 of 22
 (c) During the third stage of the motion, the coach travels with constant acceleration, reaching
a velocity of 18 m s–1 after a further 20 seconds.

Find the average speed of the coach during the 50 seconds of the motion.
(4)
(Total 9 marks)

Q7. A van moves from rest on a straight horizontal road.

(a) In a simple model, the first 30 seconds of the motion are represented by three separate
stages, each lasting 10 seconds and each with a constant acceleration.

During the first stage, the van accelerates from rest to a velocity of 4 m s –1.

During the second stage, the van accelerates from 4 m s–1 to 12 m s–1.

During the third stage, the van accelerates from 12 m s–1 to 16 m s–1.

(i) Sketch a velocity–time graph to represent the motion of the van during the first
30 seconds of its motion.
(3)

(ii) Find the total distance that the van travels during the 30 seconds.
(4)

(iii) Find the average speed of the van during the 30 seconds.
(2)

(iv) Find the greatest acceleration of the van during the 30 seconds.
(2)

(b) In another model of the 30 seconds of the motion, the acceleration of the van is assumed
to vary during the first and third stages of the motion, but to be constant during the second
stage, as shown in the velocity–time graph below.

The velocity of the van takes the same values at the beginning and the end of each stage
of the motion as in part (a).

(i) State, with a reason, whether the distance travelled by the van during the first
10 seconds of the motion in this model is greater or less than the distance travelled
during the same time interval in the model in part (a).
(2)

Page 5 of 22
 (ii) Give one reason why this model represents the motion of the van more realistically
than the model in part (a).
(1)
(Total 14 marks)

Q8. The velocity-time graph below models the first 8 seconds of a journey of a bus.

During the first 3 seconds of its journey, the bus travels from rest with constant acceleration until
it reaches a speed of V m s –1.

During the next 5 seconds of its journey, the bus travels with constant speed V m s –1.

(a) (i) During the first 3 seconds the bus accelerates at 0.8 m s–2.

Show that V = 2.4.

(2)

(ii) Find the total distance the bus travels during the first 8 seconds of its journey.
(3)

(b) After the first 8 seconds of its journey, the bus decelerates at a constant rate until it stops.
During this stage of the journey the bus travels a further 4.8 metres.

Find the average speed of the bus during the whole journey.
(4)
(Total 9 marks)

Page 6 of 22
Q9. Fiona is cycling along a straight horizontal road when she spots her friend, Marie, ahead of
her. Marie is jogging along the same road and in the same direction.

Fiona is cycling with constant speed 6 m s–1 and Marie is jogging with constant speed 3 m s–1.

(a) The velocity-time graph below shows Fiona’s motion from the moment when she spots
Marie, when t = 0, until she reaches a bridge, when t = T.

Marie takes 2 seconds longer than Fiona to reach the bridge.

Copy the graph and draw another line to show Marie’s motion from t = 0 until she reaches
the bridge. Label the axes appropriately.
(2)

(b) When t = 0, Marie is x metres from the bridge and Fiona is 20 metres behind her.

(i) Write down, in terms of x , the distance travelled by Fiona.

(1)

(ii) Write down an equation in terms of x and T for Fiona’s motion.

(1)

(iii) Write down an equation in terms of x and T for Marie’s motion.

(2)

(iv) Hence find the values of x and T.

(4)
(Total 10 marks)

Page 7 of 22
M1. (a) s= × 10 × 4 + 10 × 4 + ×(4+7) × 10 + × 7 × 10

(= 20 + 40 + 55 + 35)
M1: Any one term correct.
M1: A second term correct.
A1: Correct expression for total distance.

M1M1A1

= 150 m
A1: Total distance correct.

A1

OR

s= × (10 + 20) × 4 + × (4 + 7) × 10 + × 7 × 10

( = 60 + 55 + 35)

= 150 m

(M1M1A1)
(A1)

OR

s= × 10 × 4 + 10 × 4 + 10 × 4 + × 10 × 3 + × 7 × 10

(= 20 + 40 + 40 + 15 + 35)

= 150 m

(M1M1A1)
(A1)
4

(b) Average Speed = = 3.75 m s–1

M1: Their total distance divided by 40.

M1
A1F: Correct average speed based on their distance from
part (a). Must be correct to three or more significant figures.

A1F
2

Page 8 of 22
 (c) a= = 0.4 m s–2

M1: Any division involving the numbers 10 and 4.

M1
A1: Correct acceleration. CAO

A1
Note on use of constant acceleration equations:
award M1 for correct equation with correct values
and A1 for correct final answer.
2

(d) F = 200000 × 0.4 = 80000 N

M1: Multiplication of, 2 × 10 n, for any integer n , by
candidate’s acceleration from part (c).
A1F: Correct force based on their answer to part (c)
multiplied by 200000.

M1A1F
Note: use of a = 2.5 gives 500000 N
Accept 80 kN
2
[10]

M2. (a) s = 32 × 12.5 = 400 m

B1: Correct distance.
B1
1

(b) 1600 = (32 + 18)t

M1: Seeing 2000 – candidate’s answer to

part (a) calculated
dM1: Use of constant acceleration equation(s)
to find t, with u = 32 and v = 18
M1dM1

t= = 64 seconds

A1: Correct time. Accept only 64

A1
3

Page 9 of 22
 (c)

B1: Shape of the graph.

B1
B1: Correct velocities (ie 18 and 32) on vertical axis.
B1
B1F: Correct times (ie 12.5 and 76.5) on the
horizontal axis.
B1F
(Follow through incorrect answers to part (b)).
Award marks for graph if seen in earlier parts.
3

(d) Average Speed = = 26.1 ms–1

M1: Use of 2000 over candidate’s total time

(not 64 or 12.5).
M1
A1F: Correct speed. AWRT 26.1.
FT candidate’s answer to part (b) or (c).
A1F
2
[9]

M3. (a) 30 seconds

B1: Correct statement of time.

B1
1

(b)

M1: A method for calculating the first

distance. Must see 40 and .

M1
A1: Correct distance.

A1

Page 10 of 22
 OR

(M1)(A1)

Note on third method: Must see or plus

attempt to find distance for M1.

(M1)(A1)
2

(c)

M1: Method for finding the second

distance and calculating the total distance.

M1

(M1)

Note on third method: Must see plus

attempt to find distance.

(M1)

Total = 400 + 500 = 900 m

A1F: Correct total distance. Award the
follow through mark for correct addition
of 500 and their answer to (b).

A1F
2

Page 11 of 22
 (d)

M1: Their total distance divided by 120

M1
A1F: Correct average speed based on
their answer to (c).

A1F
2

(e) 120 × 20 – 900 = 1500 m

M1: Multiplication of 20 and 120 to find
distance.
Note: Award M1 if 2400 seen in this part.
A1F: Correct difference based on their
answer to (c) provided final answer is
positive.

M1A1F
2
[9]

(a)
M4.
Finding distance by summing 3 areas or
using formula for the area of a trapezium

M1
Correct equation/3 correct expressions for
the areas

A1

= 19.5 m
Correct total distance

A1
3

Page 12 of 22
 (b)

Correct acceleration as a decimal or as a

fraction

B1
1

(c) T – 400g = 400 × 0.75

Three term equation of motion containing
T, 400g and 400 × 0.75 or equivalent

M1
Correct equation

A1F

T = 3920 + 300 = 4220 N

Correct tension

A1F

Only ft from

(ft 4453 N or 4450 N from scores M1A1A1)

3
[7]

M5. (a) v = 0 + 0.8 × 3

Full method for M1

M1

v = 2.4

A1
2

Page 13 of 22
(b)

1st line
2nd line
labels: 3, 7, 2.4
(2.4 may be implied by position between 2 and 3)

B1B1B1
3

(c) s1 = × 3 × 2.4 or s1 = 0 + × 0.8 × 32

M1

s2 = 9.6

B1

s = 13.2

A1F

average speed =

= 1.89 ms–1

A1F
5
Alternative

s= (7 + 4) × 2.4

M1A1
= 13.2

A1F
Allow candidate’s total dist. Found in (c)
ft total distance found in (c)
[10]

Page 14 of 22
M6. (a) (i) a=
±

M1

a = 0.6 ms–2
A1
2

(ii) s1 = (12 + 18) × 10

M1

s1 = 150 metres

A1
2

(b) s2 = 20 × 12 = 240 metres

B1
1

(c) s3 = (12 + 18) × 20

M1

= 300
PI

A1

average speed =

M1

= 13.8ms–1
ft one slip

Alft
4
[9]

Page 15 of 22
M7. (a) (i)

3 straight lines

B1
correct end points

B1
sensible scales ÷ labelled v/t

B1
3

(ii) s= × 10 × 4 + × (4 + 12) × 10 + (12 + 16) × 10

M1
Or
area attempt (M1)
full method (m1)
equation correct (A1)
ft one slip

m1
Or
equation attempted (M1)
full method (m1)
all correct (A1)
ft one slip

A1

s = 240 metres

A1ft
4

(iii) Average speed =

M1

= 0.8 ms–1
cao

A1
2

Page 16 of 22
 (iv) Greatest acceleration = 2nd stage

M1

= 0.8 ms–2
CAO

A1
2

(b) (i) Less

B1

area below curve < area below line/velocity lower

no additional incorrect statements

B1
2

(ii) Change in velocity more gradual oe

B1
1
[14]

M8. (a) (i) V = 0 + 3 × 0.8

M1

V = 2.4
AG

A1
2

(ii)

Method for total area

M1

A1

S = 15.6m
ft slip

A1F
3

Page 17 of 22
 (b)

Full method for time

M1

T=4

A1

Average speed

Total distance / total time

M1

= 1.7ms–1
ft one error in S or in T

A1F
4
[9]

M9. (a)

horizontal line below other

B1
(0, 3 to (T + 2, 3)

B1
2

(b) (i) x + 20

B1
1

(ii) x + 20 = 6T

B1
1

(iii) 3(T + 2) = x

M1A1
2

Page 18 of 22
(iv) 6T – 3T –6 = 20

M1

3T = 26 T=
ft if T positive

A1F

× 6 = x + 20

M1

x = 32
ft if x positive

A1F
4
[10]

Page 19 of 22
E1. This question was also done very well by the candidates. The main issues were in parts (a)
and (b). In part (a), a number of candidates made errors when calculating the area under the
graph. Often they would have one small error, which meant that their total was incorrect. In
these cases, the candidates’ distances were followed through into part (b). Both parts (b) and
(c) were done well with very few candidates losing marks. In part (d), Newton’s second law was
applied in all but a few cases, but the issue was with the units of the mass. Some candidates
converted to kg incorrectly, while others simply found the force as if the mass were 200 kg.

E2. (a) was usually done correctly. Part (b) saw more errors from candidates, with some failing
to subtract the 400 from the 2000 and using 2000 metres in their calculations. A few also simply
divided their distance by 18 rather than using a constant acceleration equation.
In part (c), many candidates drew a graph with the correct shape, but many did not label the
required speeds and times clearly on the axes. In many cases, a scale (for example 4, 8, 12, 16,
…) had been put on the axis, rather than just indicating the initial and final speeds. Part (d) was
generally done very well, but a few candidates did take the mean of 18 and 32 rather than using
the total distance divided by the total time.

E3. This question was done well by the vast majority of candidates, with many scoring full
marks. Although not made often, the most common error was failing to multiply by 0.5, or divide
by 2, when finding the distances in parts (b) and (c). Most candidates used a correct approach
to find the average speed in part (d). Another error, seen in part (e), was to find 2400 but not
subtract the answer to part (c).

E4. This question was done very well by the vast majority of the candidates. Almost all gained full
marks on part (a), but a few did make arithmetic errors. Again, in part (b), almost all the

candidates found the acceleration correctly, although a few did give the answer . Part (c) did
cause a little more difficulty, although there were many correct responses. The two most
common errors were either to assume that the tension was equal to the weight or to make a
sign error and obtain an equation such as
400g − T = 400a.

E5. This question was very well answered.

Page 20 of 22
E6. Again there were frequent sign errors in part (a)(i). However, the rest of the question was
popular and mostly done well with many fully complete solutions.

E7. The sketch graph in part (a) proved a good source of marks although some graphs were
drawn without the use of a ruler and intended straight lines were ‘wobbly’. Part (a)(ii) was usually
successful although some omitted some of the areas in trying to find the total distance. Parts (a)
(iii) and (a)(iv) were popular and successful. Part (b)(i) was done well, but part (b)(ii) mostly
lacked the required link between the curves of the graph and the more realistic changes in
motion.

E8. This question proved both popular and successful for candidates. Part (a) was very well
done and part (b) only slightly less so with occasional accuracy errors or misunderstanding
regarding the average speed.

E9. Diagrams in part (a) were good, but algebraic expressions produced in part (b) were poor.
The use of the simple principle ‘speed = distance / time’ proved beyond many candidates. Many
seemed unaware of what constitutes an ‘equation’, omitting the equals sign. There were,
however, some excellent solutions to this question, showing clear and concise work.

Page 21 of 22
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