National 5PhysicsSQAExam QuestionsDynamicsVelocity–Time Graphs

Velocity–Time Graphs (SQA National 5 Physics): Exam Questions

Exam code: X857 75

14 mins5 questions
1
Sme Calculator1 mark

The graph shows how the speed of a runner changes during the last 8.0 seconds of a race.

Graph showing speed in metres per second over time in seconds. Speed is constant at 4 m/s for 2 seconds, then increases to 6 m/s by 8 seconds.

The distance travelled during the 8.0 seconds is

  • 24 m

  • 32 m

  • 38 m

  • 44 m

  • 48 m

Choose your answer

2
Sme Calculator1 mark

The graph of speed v against time t represents the motion of a cyclist over a 20 second period.

Line graph showing velocity vs time. Velocity increases from 4 to 10 m/s between 0-8s, remains constant till 20s. Times marked at 0, 8, 20s.

The distance travelled by the cyclist in the 20 second period is:

  • 56 m

  • 144 m

  • 160 m

  • 176 m

  • 200 m

Choose your answer

3
Sme Calculator3 marks

A glider is accelerated from rest by a cable attached to a winch.

Diagram showing a glider connected to a winch by a cable on a flat surface, illustrating a winch launch method for aircraft.

The graph shows the horizontal velocity vh of the glider for the first 20 s of its motion.

A velocity-time graph showing velocity increasing linearly from 0 to 25 m/s over 10 seconds, then staying constant from 10 to 20 seconds.

At 8·0 s the glider reaches its take-off speed and leaves the ground.

Determine the distance the glider travels along the ground before take-off.

How did you do?

4a
Sme Calculator2 marks

The graph represents the motion of a bus travelling along a straight, level road between two stops.

Line graph showing velocity-time relationship. Velocity increases to 9 m/s at 20s, stays constant until 60s, then decreases to 0 at 80s. Points A, B, C, D.

Describe the motion of the bus:

(i) between A and B

[1]

(ii) between B and C.

[1]

How did you do?

4b
Sme Calculator3 marks

Determine the distance travelled by the bus between A and D.

How did you do?

5a
Sme Calculator3 marks

A student uses a motion sensor and a computer to determine the acceleration of the trolley.

A diagram shows a motion sensor and trolley at the top of a ramp connected to a laptop computer, illustrating a physics experiment setup.

The student releases the trolley. The computer displays the velocity-time graph for the motion of the trolley as it rolls down the ramp, as shown.

Line graph of velocity versus time, showing a linear increase from 0 to 0.6 m/s over 2.4 seconds. Dotted lines highlight these points.

Determine the distance travelled by the trolley in the first 2·4 s after its release.

How did you do?

5b1 mark

In a further experiment the student places a piece of elastic across the bottom of the ramp as shown.

Diagram showing a motion sensor and trolley on a ramp connected to a computer, with elastic attached at the ramp's end.

The student again releases the trolley. The trolley rolls down the ramp and rebounds from the elastic to move back up the ramp.

Using the axes provided, complete the velocity-time graph for the motion of the trolley from the moment it contacts the elastic, until it reaches its maximum height back up the ramp.

Numerical values are not required on either axis.

Graph showing velocity versus time. The horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is velocity. A line rises from the origin to the right.

How did you do?