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H1 Physics 8867 · Nov 2023PhysicsPaper 1Commented

Paper 1 Q4 — Reading the right graph

Kinematics — applying equations of motion to a displacement–time graph

What the examiners said

“The most common incorrect answer… implies that those candidates who got it wrong did not realise that they had to use the equations of motion and apply them to the graph. It may be that they confused it with a v–t graph.”

Try the question (reconstruction)

The displacement–time graph of an object starting from rest with uniform acceleration is a curve passing through (4.0 s, 8.0 m). What is the velocity of the object at t = 4.0 s?
Examiner report: “Candidates confused the displacement–time graph with a velocity–time graph.”

Explore — same motion, two graphs

One motion (a = 1.0 m s−2 from rest), two views. Drag the time slider and switch graphs. Note what the gradient means on each.

The curve and the straight line describe the same motion. Gradient of s–t = velocity; gradient of v–t = acceleration; area under v–t = displacement.

Original reconstruction inspired by the misconceptions described in the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level H1 Physics 8867 November 2023 Examiner Report. Not the actual examination question. For classroom exploration.

Made by lookang, using Claude Fable 5. More resources: iwant2study.org