PHYSICS CONNECTION
Displacement and velocity are vectors
Direction makes the difference between distance and displacement, and between speed and velocity. A return journey can cover a large distance while producing zero displacement.
Average velocity = displacement / time
Follow the reasoning
- Choose a positive direction or perpendicular axes.
- Add displacements with their directions.
- Divide net displacement by elapsed time; use total distance for average speed.
OFFICIAL OCR QUESTIONS
Try it in a past paper 3
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 1(a)–(b)
Distinguish an asteroid’s constant speed from its changing velocity direction.
Question 21
Find buggy displacement and acceleration, then resolve a pulling force.
Question 21
Measure a trolley’s final velocity and resolve acceleration on an inclined ramp.
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.
ORIGINAL PHYSICSUK QUESTIONS
Put the ideas to work
More practice is on its way
No PhysicsUK question linked yet. New eligible questions appear here as the bank grows.
Specification outcomes (3)
- 3.1.1(a) Define and use displacement, instantaneous speed, average speed, velocity and acceleration.
- 2.3.1(a) Define scalar and vector quantities and give examples of each.
- 2.3.1(b) Perform vector addition and subtraction.