Kinematics
Speed, velocity, acceleration and motion graphs for travel in one direction.
Learning goals
- State what speed means
- State what velocity means, including its direction
- Calculate average speed from total distance and total time
- Calculate acceleration as change in velocity divided by time taken
- State what uniform acceleration means
- Interpret examples of non-uniform acceleration
- Plot and interpret a distance–time graph
- Plot and interpret a speed–time graph for one-direction motion
- Deduce rest, uniform speed and non-uniform speed from a distance–time graph
- Deduce rest, uniform speed and uniform or non-uniform acceleration from a speed–time graph
- Use area under a speed–time graph to determine distance travelled
- Recall constant free-fall acceleration near Earth as approximately 10 m/s²
G2 Science (Physics) · Topic 2
Read the complete lesson from top to bottom first. Pause for its examples and independent questions, then use a short topic check to decide what to practise again.
Before you begin
Build the idea in order
- Distance and displacement
- Speed and velocity
- Acceleration
- Motion graphs and free fall
Lessons
Kinematics
Speed, velocity, acceleration and motion graphs for travel in one direction.
Check your understanding
Kinematics topic check
Check the required topic capabilities and get focused practice for ideas that need another look.
What to remember
- Average speed uses total distance divided by total time; velocity also includes direction.
- Acceleration is change in velocity divided by time.
- A distance–time gradient gives speed; a speed–time gradient gives acceleration.
- Area under a speed–time graph gives distance for the sections used here.
- Free-fall acceleration near Earth is about 10 m/s² downward.
Topic and syllabus information
Kinematics is Topic 2 in K223 / K224 Physics component · 2027.
The lesson stays within G2 depth and includes the explanations, examples and practice needed for this topic.
Reviewed 9 Aug 2026
Continue with the next resource in this course.
Course and syllabus information
- Course
- SEC G2 Science Physics component
- Edition
- SEC G2 Science Physics component 2027