4.5.6.5 Acceleration

Spec reference: 4.5.6 (subtopic).

What you need to know

• acceleration (m/
• Forces are another example of a vector quantity and so they can also be
• represented by an arrow.
• A resultant force is a single force which replaces several other forces. It has the same effect acting on the object as the combination of
• the other forces it has replaced.
• The forces acting on this object are represented in a free body diagram.
• The arrows are relative to the magnitude and direction of the force.
• The car is being pushed to the left by a force of 30N. It is also being pushed

Self-assessment (checklist)

• I can recall and apply the correct equation to calculate
• I can rearrange the equation linking acceleration,
• I can give the term used to describe an object that is
• I can estimate the magnitude of everyday accelerations.
• I can describe how to use a distance-time graph to
• I can draw velocity-time graphs from measurements.
• I can interpret lines and slopes of velocity-time graphs
• I can apply the equation linking final velocity, initial
• I can rearrange the equation linking final velocity, initial
• I can state the approximate acceleration of an object
• I can interpret the changing motion of an object falling
• I can explain what is meant by terminal velocity.
• I can draw and interpret velocity-time graphs for

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.