GCSE Physics (AQA)

346 videos | 23 hours

Measuring Speed

Please subscribe to watch this video.

This, and all other videos, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos.

Forces Forces and motion

Measuring Speed

5:05 Average Speed and Velocity
Spec 4.5.6.1.2
Previous Kinetic & GPE Conversions Next Circular Motion
  • Measure an object's speed by determining the time it takes to travel a certain distance.
  • Speed is the rate at which distance is traveled.
  • To calculate speed, know the distance traveled and the time taken.
  • Speed = Distance / Time.
  • Measure distance traveled in a certain time or determine a distance to travel in advance.
  • Use a stopwatch to measure time, stopping at a certain time or after a predetermined distance.
  • Example: Rabbit runs 4 meters in 1.6 seconds, speed = 2.5 meters per second.
  • Average speed is calculated if the speed changes.
  • Break timings into smaller distances to see speed variation.
  • Example: Rabbit's journey divided into three parts shows speed variation.
  • Different times for same distance indicate different speeds.
  • More intervals provide more speed information but require precision.
  • High-speed cameras provide more accurate time readings.
  • Cameras measure more frames per second for precise timing.
  • Example: Formula One race uses cameras for accurate timing.
  • Light gates automatically record time as objects pass through.
  • Light gates detect when light beams are blocked, recording exact time.
  • Example: Use light gates with a toy car on a track.
  • Critique experiments for accuracy in measuring speed, suggest improvements like light gates.
  • Ticker timers imprint dots on paper at a constant rate to visualize distances.
  • Distance between dots indicates speed changes.
  • Speed cameras determine vehicle speeds for safety.
  • Speed cameras record ground markings, measuring time to cover them.
  • Speed guns use light pulses to measure time differences in reflected pulses.
  • Interpret how speed camera measurements lead to speed calculations.

Please subscribe to access these revision notes.

This, and all other video notes, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos and revision notes.