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AS Daily A Level Physics question

2025-10-07 OCR A Basic algebra, Kinematics (M3.1.1) 3.1.1(a)

During a 20 s interval, a student jogs 120 m. In a later 20 s interval at the same duration, they cover 180 m. Compared with the first interval, how does their average speed change?

  1. A It decreases by 33%.
  2. B It stays the same.
  3. C It increases by 33%.
  4. D It increases by 50%. (correct)

Answer

The correct answer is D.

Correct: D — It increases by 50%. A assumes the speed should drop because 120 is 33% less than 180, but with the same time a greater distance means speed cannot decrease. B ignores that for fixed time, covering a greater distance must give a greater average speed. C uses the wrong percentage; the distance factor is 180/120 = 1.5, not 1.33, so the increase is not 33%. D is correct because for fixed time, average speed is proportional to distance; 180/120 = 1.5, i.e. a 50% increase.

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