GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Forces
Read the vertical-axis quantity first. A flat distance–time line means rest; a flat velocity–time line can mean steady motion.
Start here
Read the vertical-axis quantity first. A flat distance–time line means rest; a flat velocity–time line can mean steady motion.
Before you revise
Choose an answer from memory. Your result tells you what to watch for in the guide.
Core revision guide
Read the vertical-axis quantity first. A flat distance–time line means rest; a flat velocity–time line can mean steady motion.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
The gradient Δdistance/Δtime gives speed. A straight sloping line is constant speed; a steeper line means faster motion. A curved line has changing speed; a tangent gives instantaneous speed at a point (Higher). Distance travelled cannot decrease with time; a signed position/displacement axis is different.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Gradient Δv/Δt gives acceleration at both tiers. A negative gradient need not mean moving backwards: positive velocity with negative acceleration describes slowing forwards. A line crossing zero can indicate reversal if velocity changes sign. Higher: signed area gives displacement; adding area magnitudes gives distance travelled. The following triangular calculation uses this Higher area method.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Higher only
A vehicle accelerating uniformly from 0 to 12 m/s in 6 s has a = 2 m/s². Its velocity–time triangle area is ½ × 6 × 12 = 36 m. Over another 4 s at 12 m/s the rectangle adds 48 m. The total is 84 m. Do not use the final speed for the whole accelerating stage.
Misconception clinic
Read each belief, say what is wrong with it, then compare your correction.
Tempting idea: At rest.
Use instead: Velocity is not zero. Positive velocity is constant.
Tempting idea: 40 m.
Use instead: That uses final speed throughout. Triangle area = ½ × 4 × 10.
Retrieval practice
Explore the relationship
Treat the gradient of this distance–time graph as speed, then calculate distance = gradient × time.
Model scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
What to notice: use the readout to describe how one variable changes when the other is controlled.
Worked examples
Apply distance–time gradients in the worked reasoning, then try the changed-context questions below.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Gradient = 5.0 m/s.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Acceleration = 2.0 m/s².
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Higher only
Displacement = 40 m.
Exam precision
Do this: Identify the graph axes first. Use a large gradient triangle for rates and, at Higher, divide the area into labelled geometric regions for displacement.
Independent practice
Write an answer before opening the marking guidance. Then edit the exact phrase or step that would gain the next mark.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Original PhysicsUK mark scheme: Point 1 (1 mark): a = (v − u)/t. Point 2 (1 mark): a = (15 − 3.0)/6.0. Point 3 (1 mark): a = 2.0 m/s². Award each distinct point once. Accept equivalent scientifically correct wording. No half marks.
Model answer: a = (v − u)/t. a = (15 − 3.0)/6.0. a = 2.0 m/s².
Acceptable answers: Expected result: a = 2.0 m/s². Accept the unrounded value or a correctly rounded equivalent to two or more significant figures; accept equivalent units if converted correctly. No additional measurement interval is implied.
Marking notes: Method marks remain available after an arithmetic error. Carry an earlier numerical error into a later valid step; award that method point if the unit conversion and physics are correct. A fully correct answer with unit earns all marks unless working is expressly requested.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Higher only
Original PhysicsUK mark scheme: Point 1 (1 mark): Displacement = area under velocity–time graph. Point 2 (1 mark): s = ½ × 5 × 8. Point 3 (1 mark): s = 20 m. Award each distinct point once. Accept equivalent scientifically correct wording. No half marks.
Model answer: Displacement = area under velocity–time graph. s = ½ × 5 × 8. s = 20 m.
Acceptable answers: Expected result: s = 20 m. Accept the unrounded value or a correctly rounded equivalent to two or more significant figures; accept equivalent units if converted correctly. No additional measurement interval is implied.
Marking notes: Method marks remain available after an arithmetic error. Carry an earlier numerical error into a later valid step; award that method point if the unit conversion and physics are correct. A fully correct answer with unit earns all marks unless working is expressly requested.
Questions pupils ask
No. The slope gives acceleration; the sign of velocity gives direction. Positive velocity with a negative slope means slowing forwards.
Useful next steps