Build a balanced practice session by pairing these motion questions with chemistry calculations and biology practice. For an application of energy concepts in living organisms, see bioenergetics.
Independent practice • One-dimensional motion
Practise velocity, acceleration and displacement. These questions use an idealised straight-line model; where needed, acceleration is constant.
This page contains eight practice questions. They are learning exercises, not official exam questions or a complete syllabus guide.
How to use this set
- Answer all eight questions before opening the solutions.
- For calculations, write the equation, substitute values and include units.
- Check the explanation even when your answer is correct. Record the concept behind each mistake.
Practice questions
Question 1
An object travels 24 m in 6 s at constant speed. What is its speed?
- 2 m/s
- 4 m/s
- 6 m/s
- 24 m/s
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Speed = distance ÷ time = 24 ÷ 6 = 4 m/s.
Question 2
Velocity changes from 3 m/s to 15 m/s in 4 s. What is the average acceleration?
- 2 m/s²
- 3 m/s²
- 4 m/s²
- 12 m/s²
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Average acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time = (15 − 3) ÷ 4 = 3 m/s².
Question 3
A body starts at 2 m/s and accelerates at 3 m/s² for 4 s. What is its final velocity?
- 5 m/s
- 8 m/s
- 12 m/s
- 14 m/s
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. For constant acceleration, v = u + at = 2 + 3 × 4 = 14 m/s.
Question 4
A body starts from rest and accelerates at 2 m/s² for 5 s. What is its displacement?
- 10 m
- 20 m
- 25 m
- 50 m
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Displacement = ut + ½at² = 0 + ½ × 2 × 25 = 25 m.
Question 5
For constant acceleration, initial velocity is 4 m/s and final velocity is 10 m/s. What is the average velocity?
- 3 m/s
- 6 m/s
- 7 m/s
- 14 m/s
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. With constant acceleration in one dimension, average velocity is (u + v) ÷ 2 = 7 m/s.
Question 6
A body moving in the positive direction slows from 12 m/s to 4 m/s in 4 s. What is its average acceleration?
- −2 m/s²
- +2 m/s²
- −4 m/s²
- +4 m/s²
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Acceleration = (4 − 12) ÷ 4 = −2 m/s². The negative sign shows acceleration opposite to the chosen positive direction.
Question 7
A runner travels 20 m east and 20 m west, ending at the starting point. What is the displacement?
- 40 m east
- 40 m west
- 20 m
- 0 m
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Displacement depends on the difference between final and initial positions. Distance travelled is 40 m, but displacement is zero.
Question 8
Which condition is required for v² = u² + 2as in this straight-line model?
- Acceleration is constant.
- Velocity is always zero.
- Time is always one second.
- Distance and displacement are always identical.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. This equation assumes constant acceleration. Apply it separately to intervals with different constant accelerations.
Review your work
Score one point for each correct answer. Use the score to identify what to revise, rather than to predict an examination result. Rework any missed question without looking at the solution, then explain your reasoning aloud.
For exam preparation, compare your topic list with the current syllabus issued by your examination authority. This short set makes no claim of full syllabus coverage.
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