Speed, Distance, and Time Worksheet

Which equation correctly links distance, speed, and time?

• distance = speed x time

• speed = distance + time

• time = speed x distance

• distance = speed + time

Answer explanation

The correct equation is 'distance = speed x time', which shows that distance traveled is the product of speed and the time taken. The other options do not accurately represent the relationship between these variables.

An object travels at 5 m/s for 10 seconds. How far does it travel?

• 50 m

• 15 m

• 5 m

• 100 m

Answer explanation

To find the distance traveled, use the formula: distance = speed × time. Here, speed is 5 m/s and time is 10 seconds. Thus, distance = 5 m/s × 10 s = 50 m. Therefore, the correct answer is 50 m.

If an object travels 100 m in 25 seconds, what is its speed?

• 4 m/s

• 2.5 m/s

• 25 m/s

• 10 m/s

Answer explanation

To find speed, divide distance by time. Here, speed = 100 m / 25 s = 4 m/s. Thus, the correct answer is 4 m/s.

Define average speed.

• The speed of an object calculated over a large period of time

• The speed of an object at a specific instant

• The total distance divided by the total time for one trip only

• The fastest speed an object can reach

Answer explanation

Average speed is defined as the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken, typically calculated over a large period. This distinguishes it from instantaneous speed, which measures speed at a specific moment.

Describe how you would calculate the average speed of an object in an experiment.

• Measure the total distance travelled and the total time taken, then divide distance by time

• Measure the speed at one instant only

• Measure the time for half the journey and double it

• Only measure the starting and ending points

Answer explanation

To calculate average speed, measure the total distance traveled and the total time taken. Then, divide the total distance by the total time. This method provides an accurate representation of speed over the entire journey.

What is the formula to calculate the speed of an object?

• v = d × t

• v = d / t

• v = t / d

• v = d + t

Answer explanation

The correct formula to calculate speed (v) is v = d / t, where d is distance and t is time. This means speed is the distance traveled divided by the time taken.

Which of the following best describes how to calculate the instantaneous speed of an object using a light gate?

• Measure the object's mass and divide by time

• Use a light gate to time how long it takes to pass through, then calculate speed using v = d / t

• Measure the object's temperature and multiply by distance

• Use a stopwatch to time the object's total journey

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that a light gate measures the time taken for an object to pass through. By using the formula v = d / t, where d is the distance and t is the time, you can calculate the instantaneous speed accurately.

What is the relationship that links initial speed (u), final speed (v), acceleration (a), and time (t)?

• a = (v + u) × t

• a = (v - u) / t

• a = (u - v) / t

• a = v × u × t

Answer explanation

The correct relationship is a = (v - u) / t, which defines acceleration as the change in speed (final speed minus initial speed) over time. The other options do not accurately represent this fundamental kinematic equation.

An object starts at rest and accelerates to 25 m/s in 5 seconds. What is its acceleration?

• 2 m/s²

• 10 m/s²

• 5 m/s²

• 25 m/s²

Answer explanation

To find acceleration, use the formula: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time. Here, (25 m/s - 0 m/s) / 5 s = 5 m/s². Thus, the correct answer is 5 m/s².

What does it mean if an object has an acceleration of 2 m/s²?

• The object moves 2 meters every second

• The object's speed increases by 2 meters per second every second

• The object travels 2 meters in 2 seconds

• The object's speed decreases by 2 meters per second every second

Answer explanation

An acceleration of 2 m/s² means the object's speed increases by 2 meters per second for every second that passes. This indicates a positive change in speed, making the second answer choice correct.