MECHANICS I

Linear Motion

1. Define Speed and write its symbol. [1]

2. State the S.I. units of Speed. metre per second ms-1 [1]

3. Write both word and symbolic equation for calculating speed(average speed).

average v = distance travelled average v = s [1]

time taken t
4. Define distance and write its symbol. Distance is a measure of the length between
two points, (s) [1]

5. State the S.I. units in which distance is measured. metres (m) [1]

6. Define the term Displacement. Displacement is defined as the distance traveled by

body/object in a specified direction[1]

7. Give the name of the type of graph which denotes(shows) how the distance
moved or traveled by a object/body changes with time.[1]

8. The formula v = ∆s/∆t is used to calculate instantaneous speed v of an

object/body. With ∆s representing a small change in the distance an object
undergoes ∆t representing the short/small time interval the object/body took to
undergo this change in its distance. Write a short definition for ‘instantaneous
speed’. [2]
instantaneous speed is defined as the small change in the distance for a specific
time interval

9. State what is meant by the term constant speed or uniform speed as it is used to
describe the linear motion of an object/body.[2]

10. Give the name of the type of graph which denotes(shows) how the distance
moved or traveled by a object/body changes with time.[1]
11. Carefully examine and Copy EACH of the graphs 10a – 10d below, and write a
brief description of what each graph is showing about an object/body’s linear
motion.
a) b)

Average Average
speed speed
ms-1 ms-1

time (s) time (s)

A body/object that is stationary. A body/object with a low

zero v, v doesn’t change constant/uniform speed.
with the changes in time.

c) d)
Average Average
speed v speed v
ms-1 ms-1
u

time (s) time (s)

A body/object with a A body/object with a
constant/uniform constant/uniform
speed starting speed starting
from rest with an initial speed u.

e) f)
u
Average Average
speed v speed v
ms-1 ms-1

time (s) time (s)

A body/object with a A body/object with a
constant/uniform non-uniform/irregular
deceleration starting speed starting from rest.
with an initial velocity u

12. State what the Slope/gradient of the graphs 11b, 11c, 11d denote. [1]

13. State what the Area beneath each of the graphs in items 11 denotes (show). [1]
14. Copy and answer the statements below True or False

a) A Ticker timer that prints 50 dots per second has a frequency of 50Hertz. T[1]

b) The time interval ∆t of a 50Hz ticker timer is 1/50s or 0.02s. T[1]

c) ∆t represents the time in seconds it takes to print a dot and the next by a ticker
timer. [1]

d) The length of paper on which a ticker timer prints dots is called a ticker tape. T[1]

e) One ten-tick of time is ten spaces between dots printed by a ticker timer. T [1]

15. Carefully examine and Copy EACH of the graphs 15a – 15d below, and write a
brief description of what each graph is showing about an object/body’s linear
motion.

a) b)

distance s distance s
(m) (m)

time (s) time (s)

c) d)

distance s distance s
(m) (m)

time (s) time (s)

e)

distance s
(m)

time (s)
16. State what the Slope/gradient of the graphs 16b), 16c), and 16d) shows.[1]

17. Copy and answer the statements below True or False.

a) If a distance-time graph denotes an object/body with a constant speed, then the

object average speed and instantaneous speed are the same.[1]

b) The area beneath(under) a distance-time graph represents NOTHING. T [1]

c) The instantaneous speed of an object can be found from a distance – time graph.
T[1]

d) A Horizontal line graph parallel to time axis on a distance – time graph shows a
stationary object. T [1]

18. Define velocity and write its symbol. [2]

Velocity is defined as the rate of change of distance moved in specified direction with
time
OR
Velocity is defined as the rate of change of displacement with time. (v)

19. State the S.I. units in which velocity is measured. ms-1 or kmh-1[1]

20. Write a formula for calculating the velocity of an object/body. v = s [1]

t
21. Carefully examine and Copy EACH of the graphs 21a – 21f below, and write a
brief description of what each graph is showing about an object/body’s linear
motion.
a) b)

velocity velocity
ms-1 ms-1

time (s) time (s)

A body/object that is stationary. A body/object with constant
zero v, v doesn’t change or uniform velocity.
with the changes in time.

c) d)

velocity velocity
ms-1 ms-1
 u

time (s) time (s)

A body/object with a A body/object with a
constant/uniform constant/uniform
acceleration starting acceleration starting
from rest with an initial velocity u.

e) f)
u

velocity velocity
ms-1 ms-1

time (s) time (s)

A body/object with a A body/object with a
constant/uniform non-uniform/irregular
deceleration starting acceleration starting from rest.
with an initial velocity u

22. Define acceleration and write its symbol. Acceleration is defined as the rate of
change of velocity with time (a) [1]

23. Give S.I. units for acceleration. metres per second squared ms-2[1]

24. Write a formula for calculating acceleration. a= v–u [2]

t
25. Using the ∆ symbol where appropriate write a formula for a change in velocity of
an object, that has an initial velocity u and there after a final velocity v.[2]
∆v = v – u

26. State briefly with a reason, whether acceleration is a Scalar or a Vector quantity.
[2]
Acceleration is a vector, reason being that it involves change in the velocity of a
body/object with time, and since velocity has direction, acceleration being derived
from velocity by extension also has a direction.

27. Copy and answer the statements below True or False.

a) If an object/body with a constant speed keeps changing the direction in which it

moves, it maybe described as having an acceleration. T [1]

b) An object/body traveling with an initial velocity slows down to a stop, maybe

described as having an acceleration. F [1]
c) An object/body whose velocity changes by equal amounts in equal successive
time intervals is said to have a constant or uniform acceleration. T[1]

d) A negative acceleration is sometimes referred to as deceleration or retardation. T

[1]

e) If an object/body at rest moves in a specified direction at a velocity it would have

attained an acceleration. T[1]

28. Using the symbols u, v, a, s, t and what each represents; write the 5 equations that
can be used in calculations involving an objects/bodies which have a
constant/uniform acceleration. [5]

a = v–u
t
v = u + at

s= v +u t
2

s = ut + ½ at2

v2 = u2 + 2as

29. Sketch velocity-time graphs to show the kinds of linear motion for :-

a) A Stationary object/body. [2]

velocity
ms-1
 time (s)

b) An object/body with constant/uniform acceleration from rest. [2]

velocity
ms-1

time (s)

c) An object/body with a high constant/uniform velocity. [2]

velocity
ms-1

time (s)

d) An object/body with a low constant/uniform velocity. [2]

velocity
ms-1

time (s)

e) An object/body with constant/uniform deceleration /retardation to rest.[2]

velocity
ms-1

time (s)

f) An object/body with a high initial velocity that has constant/uniform acceleration.

[2]
 u
velocity
ms-1

time (s)

30. A Cyclist starting from rest, with uniform acceleration reach a velocity of 20 ms-1
in 25 s. Calculate his acceleration. [2]

u = 0 ms-1 v = 20 ms-1 t = 25 s

Using a = v–u
t
a = (20 – 0)ms-1 = 0.8 ms-2
25 s

31. A Bus starting from rest accelerates to a velocity of 4.5 ms-1 in 3 s. Find the bus
acceleration. [2]
u = 0 ms-1 v = 4.5 ms-1 t = 3 s

Using a = v–u
t
a = (4.5 – 0)ms-1 = 1.5 ms-2
3s

32. A stationary car accelerates to 5 ms-1 in 4 s. Determine the car’s acceleration. [2]

u = 0 ms-1 v = 5 ms-1 t = 4 s

Using a = v–u
t
a = (5 – 0) ms-1 = 1.25 ms-2
4s

33. A trolley at rest attains a velocity 9 ms-1 in 1.2 s. Evaluate the trolley’s
acceleration. [2]

u = 0 ms-1 v = 9 ms-1 t = 1.2 s

Using a = v–u
t
a = (9 –0) ms-1 = 7.5 ms-2
1.2 s
34. A fired missile is traveling with a constant/uniform acceleration. If its velocity
after 12 s is 18 ms-1 and after 25 s is 89.5 ms-1.Find its acceleration. [2]

v1 = 12 ms-1 v2 = 89.5 ms-1

t1 = 12s t2 = 25 s

Using a = v2 – v1
t2 – t1
a = (89.5 – 12) ms-1 = 71.5 ms-1 = 5.5 ms-2
( 25 – 12) s 13 s

35. A speedboat is moving with a constant/uniform acceleration. If its velocity after 3

s is 15 ms-1 and after 7 s is 43 ms-1. Evaluate its acceleration. [2]

v1 = 15 ms-1 v2 = 43 ms-1

t1 = 3s t2 = 7 s

Using a = v2 – v1
t2 – t1
a = (43 – 15) ms-1 = 28ms-1 = 9.33 ms-2
( 7 – 4) s 3s

36. An arrow fired from a cross-bow is traveling with a constant/uniform

acceleration. If its velocity after 7 s is 15 ms-1 and after 12 s is 23 ms-1. Calculate
the arrows acceleration. [2]

v1 = 15 ms-1 v2 = 23 ms-1

t1 = 7s t2 = 12 s

Using a = v2 – v1
t2 – t1
a = (23 – 15) ms-1 = 8 ms-1 = 1.6 ms-2
( 12 – 7) s 5s

37. For EACH of the velocity - time graphs a) to e) below, do the following
i. Calculate the total distance traveled/moved. [2]
ii. State whether the graph denotes, constant velocity, constant/uniform
acceleration, or constant deceleration.[1]

VELOCITY – TIME GRAPHS

38. With the Aid of the equations of Motion from item 28. Solve the items a) to f).

a) A motorcyclist starting from rest travels with a constant/uniform acceleration of

5ms-2 for 4s. Determine the final velocity of the motorcyclist after the given time.
[2]
u=0 v = ? a = 5 ms-2 t = 4 s

Using v = u + at

v = (0 + 5 ms-2 × 4 s) = 20 ms-1

b) A speedboat starting from rest in a dock travels with a constant/uniform

acceleration 8 ms-2 for 1.5 s. Calculate the final velocity of the boat after 1.5 s. [2]

u=0 v=? a = 8 ms-2 t = 1.5 s

Using v = u + at

v = (0 + 8 ms-2 × 1.5 s) = 12 ms-1

c) A stationary Train acquires a constant/uniform acceleration of 6.5 ms-2 in 2 s.

Find the final velocity of the train after the given time. [2]
u=0 v = ? a = 6.5 ms-2 t = 2 s

Using v = u + at

v = (0 + 6.5 ms-2 × 2 s) = 13 ms-1

d) A Ship has a constant/uniform acceleration 8.5 ms-2. If its initial velocity is12.5
ms-1, determine its final velocity after 5 s. [2]

u = 12.5 v=? a = 8.5 ms-2 t = 5 s

Using v = u + at

v = (12.5 ms-1 + 8.5 ms-2 × 5 s) = 55 ms-1

e) A Bus has a constant/uniform acceleration 7.5 ms-2. If its starting velocity is 13.5
ms-1, evaluate its velocity after 6 s. [2]

u = 13.5 ms-1 v=? a = 5 ms-2 t = 6 s

 Using v = u + at

v = (13.5 ms-1 + 7.5 ms-2 × 6 s) = 58.5 ms-1

f) A Lorry truck has constant/uniform acceleration 9.5 ms-2. If its initial velocity is
15 ms-1, determine its final velocity after 4 s. [2]

u = 15 ms-1 v=? a = 9.5 ms-2 t = 5 s

Using v = u + at

v = (15 ms-1 + 9.5 ms-2 × 4 s) = 53 ms-1

39. From the velocity-time graph below determine:-

a) The acceleration of the object/body. b) The object/body’s constant velocity. c)

The distance the object/body travels in first 10s.[4]

d) The object/body’s retardation. e) The distance the object/body travels during

the last 10s. f) the total distance the object/body traveled.[4]

VELOCITY TIME GRAPH

40. From the velocity-time graph below determine;

a) The acceleration of the object/body. b) The object/body’s constant velocity. c)
The distance the object/body travels in first 10s.[4]

d) The object/body’s retardation. e) The distance the object/body travels during

the last 10s. f) the total distance the object/body traveled. [4]

VELOCITY TIME GRAPH

41. The speed v of a body in ms-1 at various times t seconds is shown in the table [Y]
below

t (seconds) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
v (ms-1) 0 1.5 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12
Tab [Y]

a) Draw a graph showing the speed v varies with time t.[2]

b) From the graph determine ;

i. the speed v of the object/body after 4.4s. 6.6 ms-1 [1]

ii. the time when speed v of the object/body was 2.7 ms-1. 1.8 s [1]
 iii. the acceleration of the body after 3.5s . 1.5 ms-2 [2]

iv. the distance traveled by the body during the 8s. 48 m [2]

42. An object moves from rest and travels for 80 seconds. The speed changes
uniformly over each given time interval as shown in the table [W]. The speed
shown is the value at the end of EACH time interval.

Time interval ∆t 0-30 30-40 40-60 60-80

(seconds)
Speed v (ms-1) 5 4 5 0
Tab [W]

a) Using a suitable scale draw the speed-time graph.[4]

b) Calculate the acceleration during the last 20s. – 0.25 ms-2[2]

c) Determine the total distance traveled in the 80s. 260 m [2]

43. A Train travels 75km at 60kmh-1 and a further 75km at 50kmh-1 both at constant
speed.
a) Draw a distance-time graph to show the journey. [3]

b) Determine the average speed for the entire journey. [2]

Stage 1 : s1 = 75 km v1 = 60 kmh-1 t1 = ?

Using t1 = s1 = 75 km = 1.25 h or 5/4 h

v1 60 kmh-1

Stage 2 : s2 = 75 km v2 = 50 kmh-1 t2 = ?

Using t2 = s2 = 75 km = 1.5 h or 3/2 h

v2 50 kmh-1

total time taken for journey t = t1 + t2 = 2.75 h or 11/4h

total distance travelled s = s1 + s2 = 150 km

Average v = s = 150 km = 54.55 kmh-1 or 54 6/11 kmh-1

t 2.75 h

44. A Jet plane travels 200km at 150kmh-1, 300km at 200kmh-1and a further 400km at
250kmh-1 all at a constant speed.
a) Draw a distance-time graph to represent the journey. [3]
b) Find the average speed for the entire journey. [2]

45. A boat travels 100km at a constant speed of 50kmh-1, 60km at a constant speed of
40kmh-1and a further 40km at a constant speed of 20kmh-1.

a) Draw a distance-time graph to depict the journey. [3]

b) Evaluate the average speed for the entire journey. [2]

46. A man walks for 3h at an average speed of 12kmh-1.How far did he walk? [2]

v = 12 ms-1 t = 3 h = (3 × 3600s) = 10800 s s = ?

Using s = v × t = 12 ms-1 × 10800 s) = 129,600 m or 129.6 km

47. A bicycle and its rider travels 60 m at a constant speed of 25 ms-1. Calculate the
time taken for its journey.[2]

s = 60 m v2 = 25 ms-1 t2 = ?

Using t= s = 60 m = 2.4 s
v 25 ms-1

48. A motorbike travels 225km in 4h. Calculate its average speed in;
a) kmh-1 [1] b) ms-1 [1]
s = 225 km v2 = ? t2 = 4 h s = 2.25× 105 m v2 = 25 ms-1 t2 = 1.44 × 104 s

Using v = s = 225 km = Using v = s = 2.25 ×105 m = 2.4 s

t 4h t 1.44 × 104s
v = 56.3 kmh-1 v = 15.625 ms-1

49. The distance-time graph above shows a man’s journey from home to a hardware
store and his return journey back home. Use the above graph to answer the following
questions.

i. How far is the hardware from the man’s home?[]

ii. At what time did he reach the hardware store?[]

iii. How long did it take him to reach the store.[]

iv. What was his average speed on his journey to the hardware store.[]

v. How long did it take him to reach home.[]

 vi. What was his average speed on his return journey home.[]

49. The distance – time graph above shows a walk taken by a girl Anna. Use the
above graph to answer the following questions.

i. How far did Anna walk? [1]

ii. when did she start walking? [1]

iii. When did she stop walking? [1]

iv. How long did the journey take. [1]

v. Evaluate her average speed for the journey. []

vi. How far did she walk in the first hour.[]

vii. How far did she walking the second hour.[]

51. With a graph paper and an appropriate scale of your choice, do the items 51a to
51d.

a) Motorist starting a car from rest accelerates uniformly to a speed of 25 ms-1 in 5 s.

She maintains this speed for another 12 s. She then applies the brakes
and decelerates uniformly to rest in 3 s. []
i.
ii. Determine the acceleration in ms-2 during the first 5 s. []
iii. Find the retardation in ms-2 during last 3 s. []
iv. Calculate the total length of the journey in metres. []
v. Evaluate the average speed for the whole journey in ms-1.[]

c) A Cyclist starts a race from rest, accelerates at a constant rate to a speed 30ms-1in
2 minutes. He then maintains this speed for another 3 minutes. He then applies the
brakes and decelerates uniformly to rest in 1 minute.
i. Draw velocity-time graph to show the different segments of the journey. []
ii. Determine the acceleration in ms-2 during the first 2 minutes. []
iii. Find the retardation in ms-2 during last minute. []
iv. Calculate the total length of the race in meters. []
v. Evaluate the average speed for the whole race in ms-1.[]