Speed, velocity, acceleration and motion graphs

Learning objectives

Define speed as distance travelled per unit time and velocity as speed in a stated direction, and calculate average speed as total distance divided by total time

Define acceleration as the change in velocity per unit time, calculate it with a = Δv/Δt and treat deceleration as a negative acceleration (Extended)

Sketch and interpret distance–time and speed–time graphs for objects at rest, moving at constant speed, accelerating and decelerating

Calculate speed from the gradient of a distance–time graph and distance travelled from the area under a speed–time graph

Find acceleration from the gradient of a speed–time graph and recognise non-uniform acceleration from a changing gradient (Extended)

State that the acceleration of free fall near the Earth's surface is approximately constant at 9.8 m/s², and at Extended describe the motion of a falling object with and without air resistance, including terminal velocity