Mechanics: Unit 1

Topic 4A.1 Velocity and Acceleration

Vector – a quantity with both magnitude and Scalar – a quantity with magnitude only
direction

Speed – rate of change of distance Velocity – rate of change of displacement

Δs Δs
v= v=
t t

Average Speed – speed that represents the Instantaneous Speed – speed at a particular
whole journey instance on a journey
total distance speed instantaneous =gradient d−t graph
average speed =
time taken

Distance – measures how much ground an object Displacement – vector measurement of distance
covers during motion in a certain direction

Acceleration – vector defined as the rate of change of velocity

v−u
a=
t

Speed and Velocity