ACT SSC Physics — Unit 1
Kinematics — Flashcards & Quiz
Kinematics describes motion without considering the forces that cause it, using displacement, velocity and acceleration. ACT SSC Physics Year 12 Unit 1 expects you to apply the five SUVAT equations for uniformly accelerated motion, interpret displacement-time and velocity-time graphs, and handle projectile motion as a special case.
Sample Flashcards
Q1: What is the difference between distance and displacement?
Distance is the total length of the path travelled (scalar). Displacement is the straight-line distance from start to finish in a specified direction (vector).
Q2: Define velocity and distinguish it from speed.
Velocity is the rate of change of displacement (vector, m/s). Speed is the rate of change of distance (scalar, m/s). Average velocity = Δs / Δt.
Q3: Define acceleration and state its SI unit.
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity: a = Δv / Δt. SI unit: m s⁻². An object accelerates when its speed or direction (or both) changes.
Q4: List the four SUVAT equations of uniformly accelerated motion.
1) v = u + at 2) s = ut + ½at² 3) v² = u² + 2as 4) s = ½(u + v)t. Where: s = displacement, u = initial velocity, v = final velocity, a = acceleration, t = time.
Q5: How do you find displacement from a velocity–time graph?
Displacement equals the area under a velocity–time graph. Areas above the time axis are positive displacement; areas below are negative.
Sample Quiz Questions
Q1: Displacement is a scalar quantity.
Answer: FALSE
Displacement is a vector — it has both magnitude and direction. Distance is the scalar equivalent.
Q2: An object moving in a circle at constant speed has zero acceleration.
Answer: FALSE
The object has centripetal acceleration because its direction is constantly changing, even though speed is constant.
Q3: The gradient of a displacement–time graph gives velocity.
Answer: TRUE
Velocity = Δs/Δt, which is the gradient (slope) of a displacement–time graph.
Last updated: March 2026 · 5 flashcards · 4 quiz questions