Measuring instantaneous speed analysis (v=s/t) | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

Match the units to the quantity they measure.

• time

• metres

• speed

• kilograms

• distance

• metres per second

• mass

• seconds

Answer explanation

Distance is measured in metres, time in seconds, mass in kilograms and speed in metres per second.

How is average speed calculated?

Match the symbol to the quantity.

• distance (displacement)

• time

• speed (velocity)

Why is the instantaneous speed of a trolley greater at the bottom of the ramp than near the top?

• A resultant force is acting on the trolley, causing it to speed up.

• Frictional forces are increasing the speed of the trolley.

• The trolley is producing more energy as it moves faster.

• The mass of the trolley is decreasing as it travels.

Answer explanation

The trolley has a resultant force acting on it, causing it to speed up.

During an experiment, a trolley rolls down a ramp, getting faster as it moves. Which two statements are correct?

• The instantaneous speed is constant.

• The instantaneous speed is greatest at the bottom of the ramp.

• The instantaneous speed is greatest at the top of the ramp.

• The greatest instantaneous speed is higher than the average speed.

• The greatest instantaneous speed is lower than the average speed.

Answer explanation

The instantaneous speed is greatest at the bottom of the ramp as it is moving fastest there. The greatest instantaneous speed is higher than the average speed because the trolley was moving slowly at the start which reduces the average speed.

Calculate the speed of a trolley if it travels a distance of 10 cm in 0.2 s. Give your answer in m/s.