Gradients and areas connect motion to data analysis
A gradient measures change per unit horizontal-axis quantity; an area combines the two axis quantities. This explains why motion graphs yield different physical quantities.
Follow the reasoning
- Write down each axis quantity and its unit.
- Choose a large triangle for a straight gradient or draw a tangent to a curve.
- Check the units of the result before interpreting its meaning.
Try it in a past paper 10
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 1
Find train deceleration and stopping distance, then evaluate the motion model.
Question 3
Measure a falling ball’s height and time, then determine g and its uncertainty from a graph.
Question 1
Use a car’s velocity–time graph to find braking force, distance and work.
Question 2
Plan and analyse an experiment linking terminal speed to ball diameter.
Show 6 more paper references
Question 21
Find buggy displacement and acceleration, then resolve a pulling force.
Question 1(d)–(e)
Use tangents and terminal speed to analyse a steel ball falling through oil.
Question 2
Plan a light-gate trolley experiment and analyse a linearised speed–mass graph.
Question 1
Find maximum velocity from a displacement–time graph.
Question 1
Interpret constant deceleration and stopping distance on a car’s velocity–time graph.
Question 3
Describe electronic timing and determine g from a squared-time graph.
A curated collection checked against the question papers and mark schemes; not a complete past-paper catalogue. Links open official OCR PDFs in a new tab.
Put the ideas to work
More practice is on its way
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Specification outcomes (4)
- 3.1.1(c) Use displacement–time graphs to determine velocity as the gradient.
- 3.1.1(d) Use velocity–time graphs to determine acceleration as the gradient and displacement as the area under the graph, including estimation for non-linear graphs.
- 1.1.3(d)(i) Selection and labelling of axes with appropriate scales, quantities and units.
- 1.1.3(d)(ii) Measurement of gradients and intercepts from experimental results.