Motion and Kinematics

What the resources cover

This unit page collects material on how things move. The mind map Physics: Kinematics defines the basic terms, such as distance as a scalar quantity and displacement as a vector. The mind map Physics: Free fall looks at motion under gravity alone, and why that only truly happens in a vacuum. Other listed resources cover distance-time graphs, velocity-time graphs, vectors, scalars, terminal velocity and projectile motion.

Where to start

If the vocabulary is new, begin with a mind map. Speed and Velocity and Distance-time graphs are short ways in. Then try the flashcard deck UNIT 6.1 DISTANCE, SPEED AND ACCELERATION, which has worked calculations such as finding a speed in metres per second from a distance in kilometres.

1. Read a mind map on speed, velocity and acceleration.
2. Practise graphs with a distance-time or velocity-time resource.
3. Move on to the SUVAT equations.
4. Finish with projectile motion and free fall.

Using quizzes and maps together

Take a quiz first, without notes. The Linear Motion: Quiz asks about scalars, vectors, units of speed and what the slope of a velocity-time graph shows. Note what you got wrong, then open the matching map and read only that branch. Retake the quiz afterwards.

For harder questions, the AS Level Physics Equations of Motion Quiz and the AS Level Physics U3 KInematics - SUVAT Equations Quiz use real situations, such as an insect jumping or a sphere reaching terminal velocity. The Princeton Review chapter quiz tests circular motion, where displacement over one lap is zero.

Where it fits

Motion and Kinematics sits in the Mechanics strand of Physics. The resources mention GCSE, IGCSE, A-level, IB and AP courses, so teachers can find material to set as revision or starter tasks.

Ready to begin? Choose a resource that matches your course and work through it at your own pace.