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Speed, velocity and acceleration — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 117 practice questions · 6 syllabus objectives

40 easy38 medium39 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Define speed, velocity and acceleration and state their SI units

Apply the kinematic equations (v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as) to solve problems involving uniform acceleration

Interpret velocity-time graphs to determine acceleration and distance travelled

Analyse ticker-tape patterns to determine velocity and acceleration of a moving body

Solve problems involving motion under gravity including vertical projection and horizontal projection

Speed, velocity and acceleration

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

A ball is projected vertically upwards with an initial velocity of 20 m/s. (a) Define the term 'maximum height' in the context of projectile motion. (2 marks) (b) Calculate the maximum height reached by the ball. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
Maximum height is the highest point reached by the projectile above the launch level. (1 mk)
At maximum height, the velocity of the projectile becomes zero before it starts descending. (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
Using the equation h = (v² - u²) / (2g), where u = 20 m/s, g = 9.8 m/s². (1 mk)
Maximum height h = (0 - (20)²) / (2 * -9.8) = 20.4 m. (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

Name two factors that affect the distance between dots on a ticker tape. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
The speed of the moving object (1 mk)
The time interval between ticks of the ticker timer (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

A motorbike accelerates uniformly from a speed of 10 m/s to 30 m/s over a time interval of 5 seconds. (a) Calculate the acceleration of the motorbike. (b) Determine the total distance travelled during this acceleration. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
a = (v - u) / t = (30 - 10) / 5 (1 mk)
a = 4 m/s² (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
s = ut + ½at² = (10 * 5) + ½ * 4 * (5)² (1 mk)
s = 50 + 50 = 100 m (1 mk)
4

Define acceleration and state its SI unit. (3 marks)

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Why Practise Speed, velocity and acceleration?

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