Describing Motion

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Speed

Speed : the distance travelled by an object in unit time. SI unit is m/s.

Speed = Distance / Time

Average Speed = Distance travelled / Time taken

Image result for speed distance time (http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/42a1e3fb5903e60b19fc7f16c4c15b14dbb71004.gif) 

We can calculcate distance using the formula (distance = speed x time)

We can calculate time using the formula (time = distance / speed)

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Distance against time graph

Image result for distance time graph

A - the object is moving in a steady speed.

B - the object is stationary (not moving).

C - the object is moving in a steady speed returning to start.

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Distance against time graph

Image result for distance time graph constant speed

This line in distance time graph shows constant speed.

Speed = gradient of distance against time graph.

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Speed against time graph

Image result for speed time graph (http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/8675efab6989f51e42205f8874448f060ee18e4f.jpg)

Distance = area under speed against time graph.

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Acceleration

Acceleration = change in speed / time taken 

Unit is m/s^2.

Image result for speed time graph acceleration (http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/bfffa0b1ca58e97476fd291705670037ae5e1f6c.gif)

Acceleration = gradient of speed against time graph.

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