Speed: Physics AQA: GCSE (9:1)

• Distance

  How far an object moves

  
• Displacement

  A measure of both the distance an object moves, measured in a straight line from the start point and the direction of that straight line

  
• Speed


  The rate of change of distance or the distance travelled per unit time

  
• s = vt


  The equation linking distance travelled, speed and time

  
• s

  The symbol for distance travelled (displacement)

  
• v


  The symbol for speed

  
• t

  The symbol for time

  
• Metres per second (m/s)


  The SI unit for speed and velocity
• Metres (m)


  The SI unit for distance
• Seconds (s)


  The SI unit for time
• Typical walking speed

  Approx. 1.5 metres per second (m/s)

  
• Typical running speed

  Approx. 3 metres per second (m/s)

  
• Typical cycling speed

  Approx. 6 metres per second (m/s)

  
• Typical speed of a car

  Approx. 25 metres per second (m/s)

  
• Typical speed of a train

  Approx. 50 metres per second (m/s)

  
• Typical speed of an aeroplane

  Approx. 250 metres per second (m/s)

  
• Speed of sound in air

  Approx. 330 metres per second (m/s)