From a velocity graph to kinetic energy
A velocity graph tells you the speed at each instant. Squaring that speed gives the dependence of kinetic energy on motion: doubling speed quadruples kinetic energy.
Follow the reasoning
- Read the velocity at each required instant.
- Use the magnitude of velocity as speed.
- Calculate initial and final kinetic energies and take their difference.
Try it in a past paper 5
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 6
Use light-gate speeds, momentum and kinetic energy to analyse an air-track collision.
Question 24(b)–(e)
Analyse falling motion, improve timing and sketch a bounce.
Question 1
Use a car’s velocity–time graph to find braking force, distance and work.
Question 3(a)–(d)
Resolve projectile velocity and connect its motion with energy and momentum.
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Question 1
Use a bouncing ball’s velocity graph to calculate energy, rebound speed and height.
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
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Specification outcomes (3)
- 3.1.1(a) Define and use displacement, instantaneous speed, average speed, velocity and acceleration.
- 3.1.1(b) Interpret graphical representations of displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration.
- 3.3.2(a) Define and calculate kinetic energy, Ek = ½mv², and derive it from first principles.