A-Level Physics Revision — On the Move (Kinematics)
Revise On the Move (Kinematics) for A-Level Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP.
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- On the Move (Kinematics) in A-Level Physics: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
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- Students revising A-Level Physics for UK exams.
- Exam boards
- Practice is aligned to major specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP).
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What is On the Move (Kinematics)?
Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. This topic focuses on describing motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration. You will learn to use the SUVAT equations for objects moving with constant acceleration in a straight line, and how to interpret and draw displacement-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs. The principles are also extended to two dimensions to analyse projectile motion.
Board notes: Kinematics and the SUVAT equations are fundamental to all A-Level Physics specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The complexity of projectile motion problems and the emphasis on graphical analysis can differ. Edexcel and AQA often feature multi-stage kinematics problems requiring careful application of both graphical and algebraic methods.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example 1: Core method
A ball is thrown vertically upwards with an initial velocity of 20 m/s. To find the maximum height it reaches, we can use v² = u² + 2as. At the maximum height, the final velocity (v) is 0. Acceleration (a) is -9.81 m/s². So, 0² = 20² + 2(-9.81)s. Rearranging for displacement (s) gives s = -400 / (2 * -9.81) ≈ 20.4 m. The maximum height reached is 20.4 m.
Worked example 2: Exam variation
Now change one detail in the question and keep the same structure: name the On the Move (Kinematics) idea being tested, show the method or evidence, then explain why it answers the command word. This helps A-Level Physics students avoid memorising one surface pattern.
Worked example 3: Mark-scheme check
Finish by checking the answer against marks: one point for the correct On the Move (Kinematics) idea, one for accurate working or evidence, and one for a precise final statement. If any step is vague, rewrite it before moving to timed practice.
Mini lesson for On the Move (Kinematics)
1. Understand the core idea
Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. This topic focuses on describing motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
Can you explain On the Move (Kinematics) without copying the notes?
2. Turn it into marks
A ball is thrown vertically upwards with an initial velocity of 20 m/s. To find the maximum height it reaches, we can use v² = u² + 2as.
Underline the method, evidence, or command-word move that would earn credit in A-Level Paper 1 — Particles, Waves & Electricity.
3. Fix the likely mark leak
Watch for this mistake: Using SUVAT equations when acceleration is not constant. These equations are only valid for uniform acceleration. For non-uniform acceleration, graphical methods must be used.
Write one correction rule before doing another practice question.
Practise this topic
Start with low-focus cards for On the Move (Kinematics), then move into full exam-style practice when you want the heavier session.
Mini quiz: On the Move (Kinematics)
Three quick checks for revision practice. They are original StudyVector prompts, not official exam-board questions.
Question 1
In one A-Level sentence, explain what On the Move (Kinematics) is testing.
Answer: Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. This topic focuses on describing motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
Mark focus: Precise definition and topic focus.
Question 2
A On the Move (Kinematics) question uses an unfamiliar context. What should the answer do before adding detail?
Answer: It should name the process, variable, equation, particle model, or evidence being tested, then explain the result using precise scientific vocabulary.
Mark focus: Method selection and command-word control.
Question 3
A student makes this mistake: "Using SUVAT equations when acceleration is not constant. These equations are only valid for uniform acceleration. For non-uniform acceleration, graphical methods must be used." What should their next repair task be?
Answer: Do one On the Move (Kinematics) question and review the mistake type.
Mark focus: Error correction and next-step practice.
On the Move (Kinematics) flashcards
Core idea
What is the main idea in On the Move (Kinematics)?
Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. This topic focuses on describing motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
Common mistake
What mistake should you avoid in On the Move (Kinematics)?
Using SUVAT equations when acceleration is not constant. These equations are only valid for uniform acceleration.
Practice
What is one useful practice task for On the Move (Kinematics)?
Answer one On the Move (Kinematics) question and review the mistake type.
Exam board
How should you use board notes for On the Move (Kinematics)?
Kinematics and the SUVAT equations are fundamental to all A-Level Physics specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The complexity of projectile motion problems and the emphasis on graphical analysis can differ.
Common mistakes
- 1Using SUVAT equations when acceleration is not constant. These equations are only valid for uniform acceleration. For non-uniform acceleration, graphical methods must be used.
- 2Confusing displacement and distance, or velocity and speed. Displacement and velocity are vector quantities (with direction), while distance and speed are scalar quantities.
- 3Mixing up horizontal and vertical motion in projectile problems. The key is to treat the horizontal motion (constant velocity) and vertical motion (constant acceleration due to gravity) completely independently.
On the Move (Kinematics) exam questions
Exam-style questions for On the Move (Kinematics) with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for On the Move (Kinematics)
Core concept
Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. This topic focuses on describing motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration. You will learn to use the …
Frequently asked questions
What do the gradients of motion graphs represent?
The gradient of a displacement-time graph represents velocity. The gradient of a velocity-time graph represents acceleration.
What does the area under a velocity-time graph represent?
The area under a velocity-time graph represents the displacement of the object. The area under an acceleration-time graph represents the change in velocity.