CIE A Level Physics
CIE A Level Physics Kinematics Exam Questions
Free CIE A Level Physics exam questions for Kinematics, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers displacement, velocity and acceleration, motion graphs, equations of uniformly accelerated motion, free fall and projectile motion.
Kinematics 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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A-Level Physics Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
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About CIE A Level Physics Kinematics
Kinematics is Topic 2 of the Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) syllabus. It describes motion without considering the forces that cause it. You use displacement-time and velocity-time graphs, derive and apply the equations of uniformly accelerated motion, and analyse projectiles by treating horizontal and vertical motion separately. Kinematics feeds directly into Dynamics and Work, energy and power. Examiners frequently test gradients and areas of graphs, the experimental determination of the acceleration of free fall, and two-dimensional projectile problems with no air resistance.
What you need to know
- Key definitions Displacement is distance in a given direction; velocity is rate of change of displacement; acceleration is rate of change of velocity. Speed and distance are scalars, while displacement, velocity and acceleration are vectors.
- Motion graphs The gradient of a displacement-time graph is velocity. The gradient of a velocity-time graph is acceleration and the area under it is displacement.
- SUVAT equations For constant acceleration: v = u + at, s = ½(u + v)t, s = ut + ½at^2 and v^2 = u^2 + 2as. You should be able to derive them from a velocity-time graph.
- Free fall Near the Earth's surface, g = 9.81 m s^-2 downwards in the absence of air resistance. It can be measured using a falling object and light gates or an electromagnet and timer.
- Projectiles Horizontal velocity stays constant because there is no horizontal force; vertical motion has constant acceleration g. Time of flight links the two components.
Common mistakes in Kinematics
- Using distance instead of displacement in SUVAT equations. Choose a positive direction and give every vector a sign.
- Finding acceleration from the area under a velocity-time graph. Acceleration is the gradient; the area gives displacement.
- Applying g to horizontal motion of a projectile. Horizontal velocity is constant if air resistance is negligible.
- Using SUVAT when acceleration is changing. The equations only apply to uniform acceleration.
- Saying the velocity at the top of a projectile path is zero. Only the vertical component is zero; the horizontal component remains.
Try three Kinematics exam-style questions
1. A ball is thrown horizontally at 15 m s^-1 from the top of a cliff 20.0 m high. Calculate the horizontal distance it travels before hitting the ground. Ignore air resistance. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
20.0 = ½ × 9.81 × t^2; t = 2.02 s; horizontal distance = 15 × 2.02 = 30.3 m.
2. A car travelling at 25 m s^-1 brakes uniformly to rest in 50 m. Calculate its deceleration. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
v^2 = u^2 + 2as gives 0 = 625 + 2a(50); a = -6.25 m s^-2 so deceleration = 6.25 m s^-2.
3. Describe how the acceleration of free fall can be determined in the laboratory. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Drop an object from rest through a measured height h; measure the time t of fall using light gates or an electromagnet and electronic timer; repeat for several heights; plot h against t^2 and g = 2 × gradient.
Kinematics FAQs
What does Cambridge AS & A Level Physics Kinematics cover?
It covers definitions of displacement, velocity and acceleration, motion graphs, the equations of uniformly accelerated motion, free fall and projectile motion.
Which papers is Kinematics examined in?
As an AS Level topic, it is assessed in Paper 1 (multiple choice) and Paper 2 (AS Level structured questions), and the free fall experiment is relevant to the practical papers.
What equations do I need for Kinematics?
Learn the four constant acceleration equations and remember that gradient and area of motion graphs give velocity, acceleration and displacement.
