AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy · 8464

Acceleration

6.5.4.1 Describing motion along a line

What you need to know

$a = \frac{\Delta v}{t}$

Identify the units for acceleration (metres per second squared, m/s²), change in velocity (metres per second, m/s), and time (seconds, s).
Understand that an object slowing down is decelerating.
Estimate the magnitude of everyday accelerations.
Calculate the acceleration of an object by determining the gradient of a velocity-time graph.
Draw velocity-time graphs from measurement data and interpret lines and slopes to identify acceleration.
(HT only) Calculate the distance travelled (or displacement) by interpreting and measuring the enclosed area under a velocity-time graph, counting squares when appropriate.
Apply the equation for uniform acceleration:

$v^2 - u^2 = 2 a s$

Recognize that an object falling freely under gravity near the Earth's surface accelerates at approximately 9.8 m/s².
Explain how an object falling through a fluid initially accelerates due to gravity, and eventually moves at its terminal velocity once the resultant force becomes zero.

AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy · 8464

6.5.4.1 Describing motion along a line

$a = \frac{\Delta v}{t}$

Identify the units for acceleration (metres per second squared, m/s²), change in velocity (metres per second, m/s), and time (seconds, s).
Understand that an object slowing down is decelerating.
Estimate the magnitude of everyday accelerations.
Calculate the acceleration of an object by determining the gradient of a velocity-time graph.
Draw velocity-time graphs from measurement data and interpret lines and slopes to identify acceleration.
(HT only) Calculate the distance travelled (or displacement) by interpreting and measuring the enclosed area under a velocity-time graph, counting squares when appropriate.
Apply the equation for uniform acceleration:

$v^2 - u^2 = 2 a s$

Recognize that an object falling freely under gravity near the Earth's surface accelerates at approximately 9.8 m/s².
Explain how an object falling through a fluid initially accelerates due to gravity, and eventually moves at its terminal velocity once the resultant force becomes zero.