AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.6.1.2 Speed Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.5.6.1.2 Speed, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers speed as a scalar, factors affecting walking, running and cycling speeds, typical speeds, speed of sound and s = vt.
4.5.6.1.2 Speed exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.6.1.2 Speed
This AQA GCSE Physics section covers speed, a scalar quantity, and the equation distance travelled = speed x time. You also need to recall typical speeds for everyday motion, because examiners expect you to estimate values in questions about walking, cycling, cars, trains and sound. It is examined on Paper 2 and leads into velocity and distance-time graphs. Questions test the equation with unit conversions, the idea that the speed of moving objects is rarely constant, and sensible estimates.
What you need to know
- Speed Speed does not involve direction, so it is a scalar quantity. The speed of a moving object is rarely constant, so we often use average speed.
- Factors affecting speed The speed at which a person can walk, run or cycle depends on factors such as age, terrain, fitness and distance travelled.
- Typical speeds Walking about 1.5 m/s; running about 3 m/s; cycling about 6 m/s. A car on a main road is around 13 m/s and a train can be around 50 m/s, though these vary.
- Other speeds The speed of sound in air is about 330 m/s. Wind speed and the speed of sound also vary, for example sound speed depends on the medium.
- Equation Distance travelled = speed x time: s = v t, with s in metres, v in m/s and t in seconds. This must be memorised. For non-uniform motion use average speed = total distance / total time.
- Unit conversion To convert km/h to m/s, multiply by 1000 and divide by 3600. For example 72 km/h = 20 m/s.
Common mistakes in 4.5.6.1.2 Speed
- Mixing units, for example km with seconds. Convert to metres and seconds before calculating.
- Giving speed a direction. Speed is a scalar; with a direction it becomes velocity.
- Using unrealistic estimates such as walking at 15 m/s. Learn the typical values in the spec.
- Using the final speed instead of the average speed for a journey where speed changes.
Try three 4.5.6.1.2 Speed exam-style questions
1. A cyclist travels 1.8 km in 5 minutes. Calculate her average speed in m/s. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
s = 1800 m, t = 300 s; v = s / t = 1800 / 300; = 6.0 m/s.
2. Estimate how long it takes a person to walk 900 m. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Walking speed about 1.5 m/s; t = 900 / 1.5 = 600 s (about 10 minutes).
3. Give two factors that affect the speed at which a person can run. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Any two from: age; fitness; terrain; distance travelled (tiredness).
4.5.6.1.2 Speed FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.6.1.2 Speed cover?
It covers speed as a scalar, factors affecting human speeds, typical speeds of everyday objects and sound, and using s = v t.
Which typical speeds should I learn?
Walking 1.5 m/s, running 3 m/s, cycling 6 m/s and the speed of sound in air 330 m/s. You should also be able to estimate car and train speeds.
Which equation do I need for speed?
Learn distance travelled = speed x time (s = v t) and rearrange it to find speed or time.
