RevTree
#59

4.5.6.2 Speed

Paper 2 · Higher combined

Spec reference: 4.5.6 (subtopic).

What you need to know

  • speed²
  • E = ½mv²
  • When something is off the ground, it has gravitational potential energy
  • gravitational potential energy = mass x gravitational field strength x
  • height
  • E = mgh
  • Required Practical
  • Investigating Specific Heat Capacity

Self-assessment (checklist)

  • I can state whether speed is a scalar or vector quantity.
  • I can describe what happens to speed when people
  • I can give some factors that affect the speed at which a
  • I can recall the typical speed for a person walking.
  • I can recall the typical speed for a person running.
  • I can recall the typical speed for a person cycling.
  • I can recall the typical values of speed for different
  • I can give two examples of things other than objects
  • I can give a typical value for the speed of sound in air.
  • I can make measurements of distance and time.
  • I can calculate the speed of an object from
  • I can recall and apply the correct equation to calculate
  • I can rearrange the equation linking distance travelled,
  • I can calculate the average speed for an object with

Key steps (method)

  • Identify what the question is testing and use the correct equation/definition.
  • Show substitutions and units clearly.

Common mistakes

  • Unit conversions, rearranging errors, or quoting a law without applying it.