Active Physics 2 Question Bank

Chapter 5 Motion

Multiple Choice Questions

(Level 1)

Code: 05A1Q001, Total marks: 1

Which of the following quantities is not a vector?

A. Acceleration
B. Displacement
C. Distance
D. Velocity
Answer: C

Code: 05A1Q002, Total marks: 1

Which of the following object is in uniform motion?

A. A glass falling from a table to the ground.
B. A swinging pendulum bob
C. A small bubble moving steadily upwards in viscous oil
D. The second arm of a watch
Answer: C

Code: 05A1Q003, Total marks: 1

A car speeds up from rest at a uniform acceleration of 2 m s−2 for 5 seconds. What are
the final speed and the distance travelled by the car?
final speed distance
−1
A. 5ms 25 m
−1
B. 5ms 50 m
−1
C. 10 m s 25 m
−1
D. 10 m s 50 m
Answer: C

Code: 05A1Q004, Total marks: 1

A boy runs 30 m due west in 15 s and then 40 m due north in 35 s. The magnitude of
his average velocity is
A. 0.2 m s−1
B. 1.0 m s−1
C. 1.4 m s−1
D. 1.6 m s−1

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Answer: B

Code: 05A1Q005, Total marks: 1

Four rabbits run along a straight line. The velocity–time graphs of them are shown
below.

velocity

(1)
(2)

time

(3)

(4)

Which rabbits have a constant acceleration?

A. (3) only
B. (2) and (4) only
C. (2), (3) and (4) only
D. All of them
Answer: C

Code: 05A1Q006, Total marks: 1

A stone is thrown vertical upward with a speed of 6 m s−1 from the top of a building.
The stone takes 4 s to reach the ground. What is the height of the building?
A. 24 m
B. 56 m
C. 104 m
D. 136 m
Answer: B

Code: 05A1Q007, Total marks: 1

The figure below shows two paths connecting points A and B. Mary and Jane travel
from A to B along the semicircular path and the straight path respectively. The radius
of the semicircular path is 20 m.

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20 m

A B

If Mary and Jane uses the same time of 40 s for their journeys, find the difference in
the average speeds of the girls.
A. 0.571 m s-1
B. 1 m s-1
C. 1.57 m s-1
D. 2.14 m s-1
Answer: A

Code: 05A1Q008, Total marks: 1

John is driving along a straight road at a uniform velocity. At time t = 10 s, he steps on

the accelerator pedal and his car travels with a uniform acceleration. The graph below
shows how the speed of the car v varies with time t.

Find the distance travelled by the car from time t = 0 to 40 s.

A. 240 m
B. 290 m
C. 305 m
D. 480 m
Answer: C

Code: 05A1Q009, Total marks: 1

A car is travelling at a uniform speed of 20 m s-1 on a straight road. At a certain

instant, the driver applies the brake and the car slows down to stop at a uniform
deceleration of 3.2 m s-2. How long does it take for the car to be completely stopped?
A. 1.75 s
B. 2.5 s
C. 5 s

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D. 6.25 s
Answer: D

Code: 05A1Q010, Total marks: 1

A cat is moving along a straight road. Which of the following displacement–time (s–t)
graphs is impossible for the cat?

A. B.

C. D.

Answer: C

Code: 05A1Q011, Total marks: 1

A ball on the ground is projected vertically upwards at time t = 0 with an initial

velocity of 10 m s-1. Which of the following graphs best represents the subsequent
motion of the ball? (a = acceleration of the ball, v = velocity of the ball)
A. B.

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

C. D.

Answer: D

Code: 05A1Q012, Total marks: 1

The velocity–time (v–t) graph of a car travelling on a straight road is shown below.

What is the average velocity of the car from t = 0 to t = 12 s?

A. 5.83 m s-1
B. 6.67 m s-1
C. 7.5 m s-1
D. 8.33 m s-1
Answer: B

Code: 05A1Q013, Total marks: 1

The figure below shows the map of Plover Cove Reservoir. A man travels from A to B
which are 2.1 km apart in 12 minutes. Then, he returns to A in 15 minutes.

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What is the average velocity of the man for the whole trip?
A. 0
B. 1.30 m s−1
C. 2.59 m s−1
D. 5.19 m s−1
Answer: A

Code: 05A1Q014, Total marks: 1

The figure below shows the map of Plover Cove Reservoir. Two runners P and Q
travels from A to B which are 2.1 km apart and then they return to A. Runner P and
runner Q finish the whole trip in 14 minutes and 15 minutes respectively.

Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) The displacements of the runners are the same.
(2) The average speed of runner P is higher than that of runner Q.
(3) The average velocity of runner P is higher than that of runner Q.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: A

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Code: 05A1Q015, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: The resultant of two non-zero velocities is always non-zero.

Statement 2: Velocity is a vector quantity.
A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation
for statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: D

Code: 05A1Q016, Total marks: 1

A ticker-tape timer operating at 50 Hz is used to record the motion of an object. The

figure below shows part of the tape. What is the average acceleration of the object?

1.0 cm 1.1 cm 1.4 cm 1.9 cm 2.2 cm

A. 4.33 m s−2
B. 6 m s−2
C. 8.33 m s−2
D. 12 m s−2
Answer: C

Code: 05A1Q017, Total marks: 1

A car speeds up from rest at a uniform acceleration of 3 m s−2 for 3 seconds. Then, it
slows down at a uniform acceleration of 3 m s−2 for 3 seconds. Which of the following
statements are correct?
(1) The displacement of the car is zero at 6 s.
(2) The velocity of the toy car is zero at 6 s.
(3) The average velocity of the toy car is +3 m s−1.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: D

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Code: 05A1Q018, Total marks: 1

A car accelerates from rest to the speed (in km h−1) as shown in 12 s. Which of the
following statements are correct?

(1) The average acceleration of the car is 1.83 m s−2.

(2) The average speed of the car is 21.9 m s−1.
(3) The speed of the car at the moment shown is 21.9 m s−1.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: B

Code: 05A1Q019, Total marks: 1

A student standing on a stage throws a small ball upwards at an initial speed of 15 m

s−1 from a height of 5 m above the ground. What is the speed of the ball just before it
hits the ground?
A. 16.0 m s−1
B. 17.0 m s−1
C. 18.0 m s−1
D. 19.0 m s−1
Answer: C

Code: 05A1Q020, Total marks: 1

The velocity–time graph of a dog moving along a straight line is shown below.

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velocity / m s-1

0 time / s
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
-2

-4

-6

The displacement of the dog from 0 to 8 s is

A. -4 m.
B. 2 m.
C. 4 m.
D. 32 m.
Answer: C

Code: 05A1Q021, Total marks: 1

Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) An object moving at a constant speed must have zero acceleration.
(2) An object with zero velocity can be accelerating.
(3) An object having zero acceleration can have varying velocity.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: B

Code: 05A1Q022, Total marks: 1

The figure below shows two paths connecting points A and B. Mary and Jane travel
from A to B along the semicircular path and the straight path respectively.

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A B

If the times used by Mary and Jane to complete the journeys are the same,
(1) the displacement of the two girls are the same.
(2) the average speed of the two girls are the same.
(3) the average velocity of the two girls are the same.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: B

Code: 05A1Q023, Total marks: 1

A toy car is travelling along a straight track. The graph below shows how its velocity
v changes with time t.

Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

(1) The distance travelled by the toy car is 200 m.
(2) The average speed of the toy car is 1.25 m s-1.
(3) The toy car is accelerating.
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: C

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Code: 05A1Q024, Total marks: 1

The graph below shows the acceleration–time (a–t) graph of a car travelling on a
straight road. The car accelerates from rest for 10 s and then travels at a uniform speed
afterwards.

Which of the following statements about the car is/are correct?

(1) From time t = 0 to 10 s, its average speed is 10 m s-1.
(2) From time t = 10 to 20 s, the distance travelled is zero.
(3) From time t = 0 to 20 s, the displacement of it is 300 m.
A. (2) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (1) and (3) only
Answer: D

Code: 05A1Q025, Total marks: 1

Two blocks X and Y are connected to each other by a light and inextensible string over
a light and smooth pulley as shown. Block X is initially held at rest on the inclined
plane.

The blocks are then released and move. Which of the following physical quantities of
blocks X and Y are the same?
(1) distance travelled
(2) velocity

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(3) acceleration
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: A

(Level 2)

Code: 05A2Q001, Total marks: 1

The figure shows the displacement–time graphs of four particles P, Q, R and S.

displacement

S
time

Which of the following statements about the motions of the particles are correct?
(1) P has the greatest speed.
(2) P has the greatest acceleration.
(3) R and S have the same velocity.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: B

Code: 05A2Q002, Total marks: 1

An object accelerates from rest uniformly. It travels a distance of 54 m after 3 seconds.

Find the distance travelled by the object in the next second.
A. 18 m
B. 42 m
C. 72 m
D. 96 m
Answer: B

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Code: 05A2Q003, Total marks: 1

A student releases a small ball from the top of a building. One second later, he
releases another ball of the same mass and of the same size. Assume that the effect of
air resistance is negligible. When the balls are falling,
A. the separation between the balls is always the same.
B. the separation between the balls and the difference between their speeds increase.
C. the separation between the balls increases and the difference between their
speeds remains constant.
D. the separation between the balls remains constant and the difference between
their speeds increases.
Answer: C

Code: 05A2Q004, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: The magnitude of the average velocity of an object is always equal to

the average speed of the object.
Statement 2: The magnitude of the instantaneous velocity of an object is always
equal to the instantaneous speed of the object.
A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation
for statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: D

Code: 05A2Q005, Total marks: 1

Three girls A, B and C run at steady speeds from point X to point Y along different
paths as shown. They take the same amount of time to complete the journey.

B
X Y

Which of the following statements are correct?

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(1) The girls travel with constant velocity.

(2) The girls have the same average velocity.
(3) Girl A has the highest speed.
A. (2) only
B. (1) and (2) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: C

Code: 05A2Q006, Total marks: 1

When a body is moving with constant acceleration,

(1) it must be moving along a straight line.
(2) its displacement increases by equal amount in equal time intervals.
(3) its velocity must be increasing.
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: A

Code: 05A2Q007, Total marks: 1

The velocity of a particle varies with time as shown.

velocity

time

Which of the following graphs best represents the variation of the particle’s
displacement with time?
A.

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

displacement

time
B.
displacement

time
C.
displacement

time
D.

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displacement

time
Answer: D

Code: 05A2Q008, Total marks: 1

An object is travelling along a straight line. Its displacement s varies with the square
of time t2 as shown.
s/m

t2 / s2
0
1 2

Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) The object is initially at rest.
(2) The acceleration of the object is 2 m s -2 .
(3) At time t = 1 s, the velocity of the object is 2 m s -1.
A. (1) only
B. (1) and (2) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: A

Code: 05A2Q009, Total marks: 1

In a 400 m race, a runner first accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed of 8 m s -1.
He then maintains this speed and finishes the race in 52 s. How long does the runner

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take to reach the speed of 8 m s -1?

A. 2 s
B. 4 s
C. 6 s
D. 8 s
Answer: B

Code: 05A2Q010, Total marks: 1

The figure below shows the velocity–time graphs of two objects, A and B, moving
along a straight line. The initial positions of the objects are the same.
velocity / m s-1

A B
5

time / s
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) The two objects meet at t = 5 s.
(2) The two objects have the average velocity
(3) Object A has a greater acceleration than object B at t = 1 s.
A. (1) only
B. (1) and (2) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: C

Code: 05A2Q011, Total marks: 1

Two cars A and B are travelling on a straight road. At t = 0, they start from the same
position. The graph below shows how their velocities v vary with time t.

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Which of them finishes 2 km first and which of them finishes 2.5 km first?
2 km 2.5 km
A. car A car A
B. car A car B
C. car B car A
D. car B car B
Answer: D

Code: 05A2Q012, Total marks: 1

A monkey carrying a bunch of bananas climbs up to the top of a tree. Soon it

carelessly drops the bananas from rest and the bananas reach the ground after 2
seconds. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
(1) The monkey has climbed up to a height 10 m above the ground.
(2) The speed of the bananas just before they hit the ground is 10 m s-1.
(3) The average downward speed of the banana is 10 m s-1.
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (1) and (3) only
Answer: B

Code: 05A2Q013, Total marks: 1

The graph below shows how the velocity v of a cyclist changes with time t.

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Which of the following statements about the cyclist is/are correct?

(1) At t = 16 s, the displacement of the cyclist is 192 m.
(2) His initial acceleration is 4 m s-2.
(3) The average velocity of the whole journey is 8 m s-1.
A. (2) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: C

Code: 05A2Q014, Total marks: 1

A ball on the ground is projected vertically upwards at time t = 0 with an initial

velocity of 12 m s-1. Neglecting air resistance, which of the following statements
is/are correct?
(1) The maximum height reached by the ball is 7.2 m.
(2) The displacement of the ball at t = 2.4 s is 14.4 m.
(3) The average velocity of the ball from t = 0 to t = 2.4 s is 6 m s-1.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: A

Code: 05A2Q015, Total marks: 1

A basketball is thrown vertically upwards. The motion of the ball is shown by the
velocity–time graph below.

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Which of the following statement are correct?

(1) At t = t1, the basketball reaches the maximum height.
(2) The displacement of the basketball from t = 0 to t = t2 is 0.
(3) t2 = 2 s
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: D

Code: 05A2Q016, Total marks: 1

The velocity v of a football changes with time t as shown.

Which of the following graphs best represents how the displacement s of the football
changes with time t? Take the displacement of the ball at t = 0 to be zero.
A. B.

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C. D.

Answer: D

Short Questions (< 8 marks)

(Level 1)

Code: 05B1Q001, Total marks: 5

The displacement–time graph below shows the motion of a boy running along a
straight path.
displacement / m

18

12

0 time / s
3 6

(a) Sketch the velocity–time graph of the boy.

(3 marks)
(b) What is the average velocity of the boy for the whole journey?
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a)
velocity / m s-1

0 time / s
3 6
(3A)

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total displacement 18 m
(b) Average velocity of the boy = = = 3 m s -1. (1M+1A)
time taken 6s

Code: 05B1Q002, Total marks: 6

The figure below shows the displacement–time graphs of Mary and Susan.

displacement

Mary

Susan

time

(a) Who is moving at a higher velocity? Explain your answer briefly.

(2 marks)
(b) Sketch
(i) the velocity–time graphs; and
(2 marks)
(ii) the acceleration–time graphs of Mary and Susan.
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) Mary is moving at a higher velocity because the graph showing her motion has a
steeper slope. (2A)
(b) (i)

velocity

Mary

Susan

time
(2A)

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(ii) acceleration (2A)

Mary,
0
Susan
time

Code: 05B1Q003, Total marks: 4

The velocity–time graph below shows the motion of Nancy as she skis down a hill.

Find
(a) the acceleration; and
(2 marks)
(b) the displacement
(2 marks)
of Nancy from 0 s to 10 s.
Answer:
(a) The acceleration of Nancy from 0 s to 10 s is
15 - 0
a=
10 - 0 (1M+1A)

= 1.5 m s - 2
(b) The displacement of Nancy from 0 s to 10 s is
1
s= ´ (10 - 0) ´ (15 - 0)
2 (1M+1A)

= 75 m

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Code: 05B1Q004, Total marks: 4

(a) Suggest two instruments other than ticker-tape timer that can be used to record
the motion of an object.
(2 marks)
(b) A student tries to use a ticker-tape timer to measure the speed of a tortoise.
Discuss whether this is appropriate.
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) Camera and stroboscopic lamp, datalogger (2A)

(b) The method is not appropriate. As the tortoise moves very slowly, the dots on the
tape will be too close to each other (1A). Besides, the tortoise may not travel along
a straight line (1A).

Code: 05B1Q005, Total marks: 5

The world record for 100 m butterfly swim is 49.82 s, made by Michael Phelps at
Rome, Italy, on 1st Auguet, 2009.
(a) What is the total distance travelled by Michael in the race?
(1 mark)
(b) What is his total displacement?
(1 mark)
(c) What is his average speed?
(2 marks)
(d) What is his average velocity?
(1 mark)
Answer:
(a) 100 m (1A)

(b) 0 (1A)

s
(c) Applying v = , his average speed is
t

(1M+1A)

(d) 0 (1A)

Code: 05B1Q006, Total marks: 7

A car is travelling at a speed of 15 m s−1 on a straight road.

(a) The driver sees a potential danger ahead and applies the brake to stop the car. If
the reaction time of the driver is 0.6 s and that the car decelerates at 4 m s−2, how

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far would the car travel before coming to stop?

(2 marks)
(b) Now suppose the driver sees a traffic light turning from green to yellow when the
car is at a distance of 33 m from a road intersection as shown. It is known that
the traffic light will turn red 3 s later.

(i) Assuming the conditions in part (a), if the driver decides to brake the car,
would he be able to stop the car before the road intersection?
(2 marks)
(ii) If the driver decides to keep the velocity of the car constant, would the car
pass the traffic light before the light turns red? Neglect the size of the car.
(2 marks)
(iii) Based on the results above, do you think that the driver should brake the car,
or pass the traffic light at a constant velocity?
(1 mark)
Answer:
(a) Thinking distance = 15 m s−1 × 0.6 s = 9 m.
Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, the braking distance is
v2 - u2
s=
2a
0 - 15 2
= (1M+1A)
2 ´ ( -4 )
= 28.125 m
Hence, the stopping distance is (9 + 28.125) m = 37.125 m
(b) (i) No. The distance between the traffic lamp and the car is smaller than the
stopping distance. (2A)

(ii) The distance travelled by the car in 3 s is (15 × 3) m = 45 m. Hence, the car
can pass the traffic light before the light turns red. (2A)

(iii) The driver should pass the traffic light at a constant velocity. (1A)

Code: 05B1Q007, Total marks: 7

The hour hand of a big clock is 1 m long. At 3:00 pm, the hour hand points exactly to

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the ‘3’ on the clock. The hour hands points to ‘9’ at 9:00 pm.
(a) What is the distance travelled by the tip of the hour hand in the six hours
interval?
(2 marks)
(b) What is the displacement of the tip in the time interval?
(1 mark)
(c) What is the average speed of the tip in the time interval?
(2 marks)
(d) What is the average velocity of the tip in the time interval?
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) The tip of the hour hand has travelled 1/2 cycles which is equal to a distance of
0.5 × 2pr
= 0.5 × 2 × p × 1 = 3.14 m. (1M+1A)

(b) The displacement of the tip is 2 m to the right. (1A)

(c) The average speed of the tip is

s
v=
t
3.14
= (1M+1A)
6 ´ 60 ´ 60
= 1.45 ´ 10 - 4 m s -1
(d) The average velocity of the tip is
s
v=
t
2
= (1M+1A)
6 ´ 60 ´ 60
= 9.26 ´ 10 -5 m s -1 (to the right)

Code: 05B1Q008, Total marks: 6

When a KCR train departs from a station, it starts up from rest with a constant
acceleration of 0.6 m s−2.
(a) How long does the train take to travel a distance equal to its length 292 m?
(2 marks)
(b) What is the speed of the train at the end of the time interval in (a)?
(2 marks)
(c) If the train maintains its constant acceleration until it reaches a maximum speed
of 120 km h−1, how far has the train travelled?
(2 marks)

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Answer:
1 2
(a) Applying s = ut + at , we have
2
1 2
s= at
2
2s
t=
a (1M+1A)

2 ´ (292)
=
0.6
= 31.2 s
The train takes 31.2 s to travel 292 m.
(b) Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, the speed is

v = 2as + u 2
= 2 ´ 0.6 ´ 292 + 0 (1M+1A)

= 18.7 m s -1
120 ´ 1000
(c) Given that v = 120 km h−1 = = 33.3 m s−1 and u = 0, a = 0.6 m s−2
60 ´ 60
2 2
Applying v − u = 2as, the distance travelled by the train is
v2 - u2
s=
2a
33.3 2 - 0
= (1M+1A)
2 ´ 0.6
= 926 m

Code: 05B1Q009, Total marks: 3

Give an example for each of the following motions.

(a) An object moving at a constant speed has a non-zero accelerations.
(1 mark)
(b) An object has a zero velocity, but a non-zero acceleration.
(1 mark)
(c) An object that travels a non-zero distance has a zero displacement.
(1 mark)
Answer:
(a) A bicycle travelling along a circular path at a constant speed has a non-zero
acceleration. (1A)
(b) A ball thrown vertically upwards has a zero velocity and a non-zero acceleration
at the highest position. (1A)

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

(c) A swimmer taking part in a 100 m race travels a non-zero distance, but the
displacement is zero. (1A)

Code: 05B1Q010, Total marks: 3

Peter and John have a 100 m race. Peter starts with a uniform acceleration of 1.6 m s−2
for 5 s and then maintains a uniform velocity of 8 m s−1. John starts with a uniform
acceleration of 1.5 m s−2 for 6 s and then maintains a uniform velocity of 9 m s−1.
Determine who wins in the race.
(3 marks)
Answer:
1 2
Applying s = ut + at , the distance travelled by Peter in the first 5 s is
2
1
s= ´ 1.6 ´ 5 2 = 20 m (1M)
2
100 - 20
The time Peter takes to finish the race = 5 + = 15 s (1A)
8
1
The distance travelled by John in the first 6 s: s = ´ 1.5 ´ 6 2 = 27 m
2
100 - 27
The time John takes to finish the race = 6 + = 14.1 s (1A)
9
John will win the race.

Code: 05B1Q011, Total marks: 4

A car accelerates uniformly from rest to 100 km h -1 in 4 s.

(a) Find the acceleration of the car.
(2 marks)
(b) Find the distance travelled by the car during the acceleration.
(2 marks)
Answer:
100 ´ 1000
(a) 100 km h -1 = = 27.8 m s -1
60 ´ 60
The acceleration of the car is
27.8 - 0
a= = 6.94 m s -2 (1M+1A)
4
1 2
(b) Applying s = ut + at , the distance travelled by the car is
2
1
s= ´ 6.94 ´ 4 2 = 55.6 m (1M+1A)
2

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

Code: 05B1Q012, Total marks: 8

A car is travelling along a straight road. The figure below shows how the velocity of
the car varies with time.

velocity / m s-1

50

40

30

20

10

time / s
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70

(a) Describe the motion of the car.

(2 marks)
(b) (i) What is the total distance travelled by the car?
(2 marks)
(ii) Find the average speed of the car.
(2 marks)
(iii) Find the average acceleration of the car.
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) In the first 15 s, the car accelerates uniformly from rest. From 15 s to 40 s, the
car travels with a uniform velocity. From 40 s to 70 s, the car decelerates
uniformly to a stop. (2A)

(b) (i) Total distance travelled

= area under the graph
(25 + 70) ´ 45 (1M+1A)
= = 2137.5 m
2
2137.5
(ii) Average speed of the car = = 30.5 m s -1 (1M+1A)
70
0-0
(iii) Average acceleration of the car = = 0 m s -2 (1M+1A)
70

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

Code: 05B1Q013, Total marks: 6

An object is thrown vertically upwards with an initial speed of 20 m s−1. Find

(a) the time taken for the object to return to its starting position.
(2 marks)
(b) the maximum height attained, and
(2 marks)
(c) the magnitude and direction of the object’s velocity at 1.5 s.
(2 marks)
Answer:
1 2
(a) Take upward direction as positive. Applying s = ut + at , we have
2
1 2
s = ut + at
2
1
0 = 20t + ´ (-10)t 2
2
t - 4t = 0
2

t = 0 or t = 4 s (1M+1A)

The object takes 4 s to return to its starting position.

(b) Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, we have
0 2 - 20 2 = 2 ´ (-10) s (1M+1A)
s = 20 m
The maximum height attained is 20 m.
(c) Applying v = u + at, we have
v = 20 + (-10) ´ 1.5
(1M+1A)
v = 5 m s -1
The velocity of the object at 1.5 s is 5 m s−1 (upward).

Code: 05B1Q014, Total marks: 4

A cyclist travelling at a speed of 10 m s−1 rides up an inclined plane at a uniform

deceleration. After 5 s, the distance he has travelled is 45 m.
(a) Find the acceleration of the cyclist.
(2 marks)
(b) What is the speed of the cyclist when he has travelled 120 m on the inclined
plane?
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) Given that s = 45 m, u = 10 m s−1 and t = 5 s.

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

1 2
Applying s = ut + at , the acceleration of the cyclist is
2
s - ut
a = 2´
t2
45 - 10 ´ 5
= 2´ (1M+1A)
52
= -0.4 m s -2
(b) Given that s = 120 m, u = 10 m s−1 and a = −0.4 m s−2.
Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, the speed is

v = 2as + u 2
= 2 ´ (-0.4) ´ 120 + 10 2 (1M+1A)

= 2 m s -1

Code: 05B1Q015, Total marks: 5

A BMW M5 can accelerate from rest to 100 km h−1 in 5.3 s.

(a) Find the average acceleration of the car.
(2 marks)
−1
(b) If the car accelerates from rest to 100 km h and then travels at a constant speed,
how long does it take to travel a distance of 1 km?
(3 marks)
Answer:
(a) Given that u = 0, v = 100 km h−1 = 27.8 m s−1 and t = 5.3 s.
v-u
Applying a = , the average acceleration of the car is
t
27.8 - 0
a=
5.3 (1M+1A)
-2
= 5.24 m s
1 2
(b) Applying s = ut + at , the distance travelled by the car in the first 5.3 s is
2
1
s= ´ 5.24 ´ 5.3 2
2 (1M)

= 73.6 m
Applying s = vt, the time taken to travel (1000 − 73.6) m = 926.4 m at a speed of
27.8 m s−1 is

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

s
t=
v
926.4
= (1M+1A)
27.8
= 33.3 s
Therefore, the time taken for the car to travel 1000 km is (5.3 + 33.3) s = 38.6 s.

Code: 05B1Q016, Total marks: 4

A man drops a ball from the top of a tower. At 1 second before hitting the ground, the
distance between the ball and the ground is 25 m.
(a) Calculate the speed of the ball just before hitting the ground.
(2 marks)
(b) Estimate the height of the tower. Neglect air resistance.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Take downward direction as positive.
1 2
(a) Applying s = ut + gt and v = u + gt, we have
2
1 2
s = (v - gt )t + gt
2
1
25 = (v - 10 ´ 1) ´ 1 + ´ 10 ´ 12 (1M+1A)
2
v = 30 m s -1
The speed of the ball is 30 m s−1.
(b) Applying v2 − u2 = 2gs, the height of the tower is
v2 - u2
s=
2g
30 2 - 0 2
= (1M+1A)
2 ´ 10
= 45 m

Code: 05B1Q017, Total marks: 3

An artificial satellite is travelling in a circular orbit at a distance 35 940 km above the

surface of the Earth. It revolves around the Earth once in 24 hours (the same as the
Earth's rotation). What is its speed in space? Given that the radius of the Earth is 6380
km.
(3 marks)
Answer:

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The distance travelled by the satellite in one day = 2p × (35 940 + 6380) × 103 m =
2.65 × 108 m. (1M)

s
Applying v = , the speed of the satellite is
t
2.65 ´ 10 8
v=
60 ´ 60 ´ 24 (1M+1A)

= 3.08 ´ 10 3 m s -1

Code: 05B1Q018, Total marks: 6

The velocity–time graph of a car travelling along a straight line is shown below.
velocity / m s-1

20

10

35
0 time / s
5 10 15 20 25 30 40
-10

(a) Draw the corresponding acceleration–time graph of the car.

(3 marks)
(b) When will the car be furthest from the starting point?
(1 mark)
(c) Find the distance travelled by the car during the first 40 s.
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a)

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

velocity / m s-1

0 time / s
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
-1

-2
(3A)

(b) The car is furthest from the starting point at t = 30 s. (1A)

(c) Distance travelled by the car

= area under the graph
(15 + 30) ´ 15 10 ´ 10
= + (1M+1A)
2 2
= 388 m

Code: 05B1Q019, Total marks: 7

A car is accelerating along a straight highway. It passes a signboard of width 8 m in 2

s. Then it travels for 6 s and passes another identical signboard in 1 s. The position of
the car at various times is as shown.

(a) What is the average velocity of the car when passing the
(i) first signboard; and
(1 mark)
(ii) second signboard?
(1 mark)
(b) If the car accelerates uniformly, what is its acceleration?
(2 marks)
(c) Hence find the distance s by which the signboards are separated.
(3 marks)
Answer:

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

s 8
(a) (i) The average velocity is = = 4 m s−1. (1A)
t 2-0
s 8
(ii) The average velocity is = = 8 m s−1. (1A)
t 9-8
−1
(b) The velocity at t = 1 s is 4 m s .
The velocity at t = 8.5 s is 8 m s−1.
v-u
Applying a = , the acceleration of the car is
t
8-4
a=
8.5 - 1 (1M+1A)

= 0.533 m s -2
(c) Applying v = u + at,
The velocity at t = 2 s is
v 2 = 4 + 0.533 ´ (2 - 1)
(1M)
-1
= 4.533 m s
1 2
Applying s = ut + at , we have
2
1
s = 4.533 ´ (8 - 2) + ´ 0.533 ´ (8 - 2) 2
2 (1M+1A)

= 36.8 m

Code: 05B1Q020, Total marks: 5

The figure below shows a smooth semicircular track XY of radius 10 cm. A small ball
is released at X and it reaches Y after 2 seconds.
X Y

(a) What is the distance travelled by the ball and its displacement?
(2 marks)
(b) Find the average speed and the average velocity of the ball.
(2 marks)
(c) State one difference between speed and velocity.
(1 mark)
Answer:

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

(a) Distance travelled by the ball = p ´ 0.1 = 0.314 m

Displacement of the ball = 0.1 ´ 2 = 0.2 m (to the right) (1M+1A)

0.314
(b) Average speed = = 0.157 m s -1 (1A)
2
0.2
Average velocity = = 0.1 m s -1 (to the right) (1A)
2
(c) Velocity has direction but speed does not. (1A)

Code: 05B1Q021, Total marks: 5

A ball is released at a height h above the ground. It hits the ground and rebounds to a
height h′. The velocity–time graph of the ball is shown below. Take downward
direction as positive.
velocity / m s-1

20

10

3
0 time / s
1 2 4

-15

(a) Find the values of h and h′.

(3 marks)
(b) What is the distance travelled by the ball and its displacement?
(2 marks)
Answer:
2 ´ 20
(a) h= = 20 m (1M+1A)
2
(3.5 - 2) ´ 15
h' = = 11.3 m (1A)
2
(b) Distance travelled by the ball = 20 + 11.3 = 31.3 m (1A)

Displacement of the ball = 20 – 11.25 = 8.75 m (downward) (1A)

Code: 05B1Q022, Total marks: 4

The figure below shows a rider sliding down a linear air track. A card of width 4 cm is
attached to the rider. Two photogates, A and B, are fixed along the linear air track.

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

card
photogate A
to datalogger interface

rider
photogate B

linear air track

It is measured that the card takes 0.08 s to pass photogate A and 0.04 s to pass
photogate B.
(a) Find the average speed of the rider as it passes
(i) photogate A.
(1 mark)
(ii) photogate B.
(1 mark)
(b) It is known that the distance between photogates A and B is 0.5 m. Find the
acceleration of the rider.
(2 marks)
Answer:
0.04
(a) (i) The average speed of the rider = = 0.5 m s -1 (1A)
0.08
0.04
(ii) The average speed of the rider = = 1 m s -1 (1A)
0.04
2 2
(b) Applying v − u = 2as, the acceleration of the rider is
v 2 - u 2 12 - 0.5 2
a= = = 0.75 m s -2 (1M+1A)
2s 2 ´ 0.5

Code: 05B1Q023, Total marks: 6

The figure below shows a runway PQR. PQ is a smooth inclined plane and QR is a
rough horizontal surface. At time t = 0 s, a trolley is released at P. At t = 3 s, the
trolley reaches Q with a velocity of 6 m s−1. The trolley then decelerates uniformly

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along QR and finally stops at S with QS = 2.5 m.

trolley

S
R
Q

(a) Find
(i) the acceleration of the trolley as it moves along PQ, and
(2 marks)
(ii) the distance PQ.
(2 marks)
(b) Find the deceleration of the trolley as it moves along QR.
(2 marks)
Answer:
v-u 6-0
(a) (i) Acceleration = = = 2 m s -2 (1M+1A)
t 3
1 2
(ii) Applying s = ut + at , the distance PQ
2
1
=
´ 2 ´ 32 = 9 m (1M+1A)
2
(b) Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, the deceleration of the trolley is
v 2 - u 2 0 - 62
a= = = -7.2 m s -2 (1M+1A)
2s 2 ´ 2.5

Code: 05B1Q024, Total marks: 4

A stone initially at rest is released from the top of a building. At a certain instant as
shown, the stone is just above the head of the window frame of John’s flat. After
0.06 s, the stone drops through the height of the window which is 1.2 m.

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

(a) Find the speed of the stone when it is just above the head of the window frame.
(2 marks)
(b) Estimate the distance between the top of the building and John’s flat.
(2 marks)
Answer:
1 2
(a) Applying s = ut + gt , the speed of the stone is
2
1 æ 1 ö
u = ´ ç s - gt 2 ÷
t è 2 ø
1 æ 1 ö
= ´ ç1.2 - ´ 10 ´ 0.06 2 ÷ (1M+1A)
0.06 è 2 ø
= 19.7 m s -1
(b) Applying v2 - u2 = 2gs, the distance between the top of the building and John’s
flat is about
v2 - u2
s=
2g
19.7 2 - 0 2
= (1M+1A)
2 ´ 10
= 19.4 m

(Level 2)

Code: 05B2Q001, Total marks: 7

Paul is driving along a straight road at a constant speed of 20 m s−1 and suddenly sees
an obstacle 50 m ahead. He then applies the brake and the car decelerates at a constant
acceleration of 5 m s−2. Suppose his reaction time is 0.2 s.

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(a) State two factors that can affect the stopping distance of a vehicle.
(2 marks)
(b) Find the distance travelled before Paul applies the brake.
(2 marks)
(c) Would the car strike the obstacle? Explain your answer briefly.
(3 marks)
Answer:
(a) The reaction time of the driver, the initial speed of the vehicle (2A)

(b) Applying s = vt, the distance travelled is

s = 20 ´ 0.2
(1M+1A)
= 4m
(c) The thinking distance is 4 m.
Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, the braking distance is
v2 - u2
s=
2a
0 - 20 2
= (1M+1A)
2 ´ (-5)
= 40 m
The stopping distance of the car is (4 + 40) m = 44 m which is less than 50 m.
Hence, the car would not strike the obstacle. (1A)

Code: 05B2Q002, Total marks: 6

A coin and a feather are released from the top of a vacuum tube at the same time. The
positions of the coin at three consecutive seconds are shown below.

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(a) (i) Draw, on the above diagram, the corresponding positions of the feather.
(2 marks)
(ii) Compare the motion of the feather with that of the coin.
(2 marks)
(b) Suppose the tube is filled with air. Which object, the coin or the feather, will
reach the bottom of the tube first? Why?
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) (i)

(2A)

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

(ii) The feather falls at the same rate as the coin. (2A)

(b) The coin will reach the bottom first. This is because the effect of air resistance on
the feather is greater than that on the coin. (2A)

Code: 05B2Q003, Total marks: 7

Aeroplane olive is a snack well known to the old generations. It is so called because
the hawkers throw the olives from the street to the apartment of the consumer directly.
Suppose a hawker throws a pack of olives to a consumer on the 6th floor who is 20 m
above.
(a) What is the minimum initial vertical speed of the pack of olives? State any
assumption made in your calculation.
(2 marks)
(b) After receiving the olives, the consumer drops a coin to the hawker. How long
does the coin take to reach the hawker?
(2 marks)
(c) Suppose the hawker throws another pack of olives at an initial vertical speed of
18 m s−1 to a consumer 10 m above. How long do the olives take to reach the
consumer?
(3 marks)
Answer:
Take upward direction as positive.
(a) Assuming air resistance is negligible.
Applying v2 − u2 = 2gs, the minimum initial vertical speed is

u = - 2 gs
= - 2 ´ (-10) ´ 20 (1M+1A)

= 20 m s -1
1 2
(b) Applying s = ut + gt , the time elapsed is
2
2s
t=
g
2 ´ (-20)
= (1M+1A)
- 10
= 2s
(c) Given that s = 10 m, u = 18 m s−1 and g = −10 m s−2.
1 2
Applying s = ut + gt , we have
2

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1
10 = 18t + (-10)t 2
2
5t - 18t + 10 = 0
2

18 ± 18 2 - 4 ´ 5 ´ 10
t= (2M+1A)
2´5
t = 0.69 s
or
t = 2.91 s
The olives take 0.69 s or 2.91 s to reach the consumer.

Code: 05B2Q004, Total marks: 5

An object accelerates from rest along a straight line. The displacement s of the object
varies with time t as follow.
t/s 0 1 2 3 4 5
s/m 0 3 12 27 48 75
(a) Plot a graph of s against t2.
(2 marks)
(b) Find the acceleration of the object from the graph.
(3 marks)
Answer:
(a)

s/m

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

t2 / s 2
0
5 10 15 20 25 (2A)

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

75
(b) Slope of the graph = = 3 m s -2 (1M)
25
1 2 a
From s = ut + at , the slope of the graph is equal to .
2 2
a
=3
2 (1M+1A)

a = 6 m s -2
The acceleration of the object is 6 m s−2.

Code: 05B2Q005, Total marks: 6

A car is travelling at a uniform speed of 20 m s−1. At time t = 0 s, a traffic lights 40 m

in front of the car turns red. After a reaction time of 0.5 s, the driver applies the brakes
to bring the car to a stop at t = 4 s with uniform deceleration.
(a) Draw the speed–time graph of the car from t = 0 s to t = 4 s.
(3 marks)
(b) (i) Find the area under the graph and state its physical meaning.
(2 marks)
(ii) Does the car stop in front of or beyond the traffic light? Explain briefly.
(1 mark)
Answer:
(a)
speed / m s-1

20

15

10

0 time / s
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 (3A)

(0.5 + 4) ´ 20
(b) (i) Area under the graph = = 45 m (1M+1A)
2
(ii) This area is equal to the stopping distance of the car.
As the stopping distance is greater than 40 m, the car stops beyond the
traffic light. (1A)

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

Code: 05B2Q006, Total marks: 6

A weight falls freely to a soft pad on the ground as shown. A ticker-tape timer is used
to record the motion of the weight.

tape

ticker-tape timer

weight

soft pad

The figure below shows the ticker-tape obtained.

A B C D

5.2 cm 14.4 cm 23.6 cm

(a) (i) Find the acceleration of the weight from the ticker-tape.
(3 marks)
(ii) Compare the value in (a)(i) with the acceleration due to gravity, 9.8m s−2.
Give two reasons to explain the difference between the two values.
(2 marks)
(b) How will the value in (a)(i) change if the motion of the weight is recorded by a
data-logger system instead of a ticker-tape timer?
(1 mark)
Answer:
1
(a) (i) Each tick represents a time interval of = 0.02 s
50
Average speed in AB is
0.052
u= = 0.52 m s -1 (1M)
0.02 ´ 5
Average speed in CD is
0.236
v= = 2.36 m s -1 (1M)
0.02 ´ 5

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Acceleration of the weight is

2.36 - 0.52
a= = 9.2 m s - 2 (1A)
0.02 ´ 10
(ii) The value in (a)(i) is smaller than the acceleration due to gravity. This is
because the downward motion of the weight is opposed by the friction
between the tape and the ticker-tape timer. The motion is also opposed by
the air resistance acting on the weight. (2A)

(b) The value will become greater as the opposing force acting on the weight is
greatly reduced. (1A)

Code: 05B2Q007, Total marks: 5

An ant crawls up the surface of a cylindrical can as shown from A to B in 12 s.

(a) Suppose the ant travels from A to B by taking the shortest path, find the speed of
the ant. Express your answer in m s-1.
(3 marks)
(b) Find the magnitude of displacement of the ant. Express your answer in m.
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) Consider the diagram below.

The distance travelled by the ant is (3.2p ) 2 + 8.52 = 13.2 cm = 0.132 m. (1M)

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

0.132
The speed of the ant is = 1.10 ´10-2 m s-1. (1M+1A)
12
(b) The magnitude of displacement of the ant is

6.4 2 + 8.52 = 10.6 cm = 0.106 m. (1M+1A)

Code: 05B2Q008, Total marks: 6

The displacement–time graph of a remote controlled car travelling on a straight track

is shown below.

(a) What is the displacement of the car at t = 6 s?

(1 mark)
(b) Find the average velocity of the car from t = 0 to t =12 s.
(2 marks)
(c) Draw, on a graph paper, the velocity–time graph of the car from t = 0 to 12 s.
(3 marks)
Answer:
(a) The displacement of the car is 30 m. (1A)

100
(b) The average velocity of the car is = 8.33 m s-1. (1M+1A)
12
(c)

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

(3A)

Code: 05B2Q009, Total marks: 7

A puck is released from rest at t = 0 and then falls freely. The figure below shows its
stroboscopic photograph taken at a flash rate of 50 times per second.

(a) Calculate the instantaneous speed v1 of the puck at t = 0.2 s. (Hint: Consider the
speed–time graph of the puck.)
(4 marks)
(b) Estimate the acceleration due to gravity from the figure.

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Active Physics 2 Question Bank

(3 marks)
Answer:
(a) Consider the speed–time (v–t) graph below.

(1M)

The shaded area d represents the distance travelled by the puck,

i.e. 3.7 + 4.1 = 7.8 cm. (1M)

Since this is a uniformly accelerated motion, the average speed of the puck from
t = 0.18 s to 0.22 s is v1, the instantaneous speed of the puck at t = 0.2 s. Thus
v1 ´ (0.22 - 0.18 ) = d
7.8
v1 =
0.04 (1M+1A)

= 195 cm s -1
= 1.95 m s -1
The instantaneous speed of the puck at t = 0.2 s is 1.95 m s-1.
1 2
(b) Applying s = ut + gt , the acceleration due to gravity is about
2
2( s - ut )
g=
t2
2[(0.2 + 0.6 + 1 + 1.4 + 1.8 + 2.2 + 2.5 + 2.9 + 3.3 + 3.7 + 4.1) - 0]
= (2M+1A)
0.22 2
= 979 cm s -2
= 9.79 m s -2

Code: 05B2Q010, Total marks: 5

In the figure as shown, John releases ball A at time t = 0 from rest at a position 7 m
above the ground. At the same time, ball B is projected vertically upwards from the
ground with an initial speed of 8 m s-1.

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(a) Find the time required by ball B to reach its maximum height.
(2 marks)
(b) When and at what height will the balls meet in air?
(3 marks)
Answer:
Take the upward direction as positive.
(a) Applying v = u + gt, the time required by ball B to reach its maximum height is
v -u
t=
g
0-8
= (1M+1A)
- 10
= 0.8 s
1 2
(b) The displacement of ball A from the ground is 7 + gt . (1M)
2
1 2
The displacement of ball B from the ground is 8t + gt . (1M)
2
When the balls meet in air,
1 2 1
7+ gt = 8t + gt 2
2 2
t = 0.875 s
The balls meet 0.875 s after ball A is released. At the same instant, the
1
displacement of the balls above the ground is 7 + ´ (-10) ´ 0.8752 = 3.17 m.
2
(1A)

Code: 05B2Q011, Total marks: 5

In the figure as shown, the truck is moving on a horizontal road at a uniform speed.
The spy throws his suitcase vertically upwards and the suitcase falls into the skip of a
truck when it returns from its highest position. At the instant shown, the suitcase just

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leaves the hand of the spy and is 2 m above the ground. It is known that the width of
the skip is 5 m and its upper edge is 2.5 m above the ground.

Neglect the size of the suitcase.

(a) What is the maximum possible speed of the truck?
(3 marks)
(b) If the truck is travelling at a uniform speed of 10 m s-1, what is the maximum
possible speed of the suitcase when it leaves the hand of the spy?
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) Applying v2 - u2 = 2gs, the lowest speed for the suitcase to reach its maximum
height and is above the upper edge of the skip is

u = v 2 - 2 gs
= 0 - 2 ´ (-10) ´ (2.5 - 2) (1M)

= 3.16 m s -1
Applying v = u + gt, the shortest time for the suitcase to reach its maximum
height and is above the upper edge of the skip is
v-u
t=
g
0 - 3.16
= (1M)
- 10
= 0.316 s
5
Therefore, the maximum possible speed of the truck is = 15.8 m s-1. (1A)
0.316
(b) The longest possible time for the suitcase in air before it falls into the skip is
5
= 0.5 s.
10
1 2
Applying s = ut + gt , the maximum possible speed of the suitcase is
2

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1æ 1 ö
u = ç s - gt 2 ÷
tè 2 ø
1 é 1 ù
= ê 0.5 - ´ (-10) ´ 0.5 2 ú (1M+1A)
0.5 ë 2 û
= 3.5 m s -1

Long Questions (≥ 8 marks)

(Level 1)

Code: 05C1Q001, Total marks: 13

The table shown lists the braking distance of several cars in a car test. The cars are
travelling at the same initial speed of 90 km h−1.
Car type Braking distance / m
BMW Z3 36.9
Ferrari 550 Maranello 33.6
Lexus ES300 42
Mercedes C36 36
(a) Which car performs the best in the car test? Why?
(2 marks)
(b) Find the average deceleration of
(i) BMW Z3
(2 mark)
(ii) Lexus ES300
(2 mark)
(c) Find the time required for
(i) BMW Z3
(2 marks)
(ii) Lexus ES300
(2 marks)
to stop.
(d) If the driver of the Lexus ES300 takes 0.6 s to react after seeing the signal for
braking, plot a velocity–time graph of his motion.
(3 marks)
Answer:
Take the direction of travel of the car as positive.
(a) Ferrari 550 Maranello performs the best. It has the shortest braking distance
among all. (2A)

90 ´ 1000
(b) (i) The initial speed of the cars = = 25 m s−1.
60 ´ 60
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Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, the average deceleration of BMW Z3 is

v2 - u2
a=
2s
0 - 25 2
= (1M+1A)
2 ´ 36.9
= -8.47 m s - 2
(ii) The average deceleration of Lexus ES300 is
0 - 25 2
a=
2 ´ 42 (1M+1A)

= -7.44 m s - 2
(c) (i) Applying v = u − at, the time required for BMW Z3 to stop is
v-u
t=
-a
0 - 25
t= (1M+1A)
- 8.47
= 2.95 s
(ii) The time required for Lexus ES300 to stop is
0 - 25
t=
- 7.44 (1M+1A)

= 3.36 s
(d) Suppose the driver notice the signal at t = 0. The velocity–time graph is shown
below.

(3A)

Code: 05C1Q002, Total marks: 9

A police car tries to catch up a robbers' car on a straight road. The velocity–time
graphs of the cars are as shown. The robbers' car passes the police car at time t = 0.

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(a) When does the police car start chasing the robbers' car?
(1 mark)
(b) What is the acceleration of the police car?
(2 marks)
(c) Where are the cars at t = 8 s? Has the police car caught up the robbers' car?
(4 marks)
(d) Find the time at which the police car just catches up the robbers’ car.
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) The police car starts chasing 2 s after the robbers’ car passes it. (1A)

25 - 0
(b) The acceleration of the police car = = 4.17 m s−2. (1M+1A)
8-2
(c) Displacement of robbers’ car = 15 × 8 = 120 m. (1M+1A)

1
Displacement of police car = ´ 25 ´ (8 - 2) = 75 m. (1M+1A)
2
The police car has not caught up the robbers’ car at t = 8 s.
(d) After t = 8 s, the police car is closing up the robbers’ car at a velocity of (25 – 15)
= 10 m s-1.
s
Applying v = , we have
t
s 45
t= = = 4.5s (1M+1A)
v 10
Therefore, the police car catches up the robbers’ car at (8 + 4.5) = 12.5 s.

Code: 05C1Q003, Total marks: 10

A student uses a camera and a stroboscopic lamp flashing at 10 Hz to study the

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motion of a ball travelling down a slope. The figure below shows the stroboscopic
photograph taken.

S1
S2
S3
S4

The distance travelled by the ball in the time intervals S1, S2, S3 and S4 are 8.2 cm, 9.3
cm, 10.4 cm and 11.5 cm respectively.
(a) Calculate the time interval between two successive flashes.
(1 mark)
(b) Calculate the average velocities in the time intervals S1, S2, S3 and S4.
(5 marks)
(c) Calculate the acceleration of the ball.
(2 marks)
th
(d) Find the instantaneous velocity of the ball at the 5 flash.
(2 marks)
Answer:
1
(a) Time interval = s = 0.1 s. (1A)
10
s
(b) Applying v = , (1M)
t
8.2 cm
the average velocity in S1 = = 0.82 m s -1; (1A)
0.1 s
9.3 cm
the average velocity in S2 = = 0.93 m s -1; (1A)
0.1 s
10.4 cm
the average velocity in S3 = = 1.04 m s -1; (1A)
0.1 s
11.5 cm
the average velocity in S4 = = 1.15 m s -1. (1A)
0.1 s
v-u
(c) Applying a = , the acceleration of the ball is
t
1.15 - 0.82
a=
0.3 (1M+1A)

= 1.1 m s - 2
(d) The velocity is

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0.93 + 1.04
v=
2 (1M+1A)

= 0.985 m s -1

Code: 05C1Q004, Total marks: 15

Two runners, Simon and Paul, compete in an 800 m race along the track shown with
different strategies. The track consists of two straight paths and two semicircular
paths.

(a) Show that the runners have to complete two cycles (called laps) along the track
(2 marks)
−1
(b) Simon runs the first lap with a constant speed of 6.20 m s . In the second lap, he
accelerates uniformly and reaches 6.90 m s−1 at the end of the race.
(i) How long does Simon take to complete the first lap?
(2 marks)
(ii) How long does Simon take to complete the second lap?
in the race.
(3 marks)
−1
(c) Paul starts the first lap with an initial speed of 5.70 m s . He accelerates
uniformly to 6.95 m s−1 at the end of the first lap. He then slows down uniformly
to 5.55 m s−1 at the end of the race.
(i) How long does Paul take to complete the first lap?
(3 marks)
(ii) How long does Paul take to complete the second lap?
(3 marks)
(d) Who completes the first lap first?
(e) Who finally wins the game?
(1 mark)
Answer:
(a) Length of the track = (70 × p + 2 × 90) m = 400 m
(1 mark)

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800
Therefore, the runners have to travel = 2 laps. (1M+1A)
400
400
(b) (i) Simon takes = 64.5 s to complete the first lap. (1M+1A)
6.20
(ii) Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, the rate at which Simon speeds up is
v2 - u2
a=
2s
6.90 2 - 6.20 2
= (1M)
2 ´ 400
= 1.15 ´ 10 - 2 m s - 2
Applying v = u + at, we have
v-u
t=
a
6.90 - 6.20
= (1M+1A)
1.15 ´ 10 - 2
= 61.1 s
Simon takes 61.1 s to complete the second lap.
(c) (i) Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, the rate at which Paul speeds up is
v2 - u2
a=
2s
6.95 2 - 5.70 2
= (1M)
2 ´ 400
= 1.98 ´ 10 - 2 m s - 2
v-u
t=
a
6.95 - 5.7
= (1M+1A)
1.98 ´ 10 - 2
= 63.2 s
Applying v = u + at, we have
Paul takes 63.2 s to complete the first lap.
(ii) Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, the rate at which Paul slows down is
v2 - u2
a=
2s
5.55 2 - 6.95 2
= (1M)
2 ´ 400
= -2.19 ´ 10 - 2 m s -2
Applying v = u + at, we have

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v-u
t=
a
5.55 - 6.95
= (1M+1A)
- 2.19 ´ 10 - 2
= 64 s
Paul takes 64 s to complete the first lap.
(d) Paul completes the first lap first. (1A)

(e) Simon takes (64.5 + 61.1) s = 125.6 s to complete the game. Paul takes
(63.2 + 64) s = 127.2 s to complete the game. Therefore, Simon finally wins the
game. (1A)

Code: 05C1Q005, Total marks: 15

On one day, Peter drives from town A to town B in 2 hours. He rests at town B for 15
minutes and then drives to town C in 2 hours.

N C

120 km

A B
160 km

(a) What is the average velocity of Peter when he drives

(i) from town A to town B; and
(2 marks)
(ii) from town B to town C?
(2 marks)
(b) Calculate
(i) the total displacement; and
(3 marks)
(ii) the average velocity
(2 marks)
of Peter for the whole journey.
(c) Calculate
(i) the total distance travelled; and
(1 mark)

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(ii) the average speed

(2 marks)
of Peter for the whole journey.
(d) Sketch the speed–time graph of Peter for the whole journey.
(3 marks)
Answer:
160 km
(a) (i) Average velocity = = 80 km h−1 (East). (1M+1A)
2h
120 km
(ii) Average velocity = = 60 km h−1 (North). (1M+1A)
2h
(b) (i) With reference to the figure below,

N C

120 km

A B
160 km

160
tan a =
120 (1M)

a = 53.1°
AC = 160 2 + 120 2 (1M)
= 200 km
Therefore, the displacement of Peter is 200 km (N53.1°E). (1A)

(ii) Average velocity of Peter is

200
km h−1 = 47.1 km h−1 (N53.1°E). (1M+1A)
1
2+ +2
4
(c) (i) Total distance travelled = (160+120) km = 280 km. (1A)

280
(ii) Average speed of Peter = = 65.9 km h−1. (1M+1A)
1
2+ +2
4
(d) The speed–time graph of Peter is shown below.

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speed / km h -1

80

60

0
time / h
2 2.25 4.25
(3A)

Code: 05C1Q006, Total marks: 9

A hot air balloon moves vertically upwards at a constant speed. When it reaches a
point A, a coin is dropped from the balloon. The coin takes 6 s to reach the ground.
The figure below shows the variation of the velocity of the coin with time.
velocity / m s-1

20

10

0 time / s
1 2 3 4 5 6

-10

-20

-30

-40

I II

(a) What is the speed of the balloon?

(1 mark)
(b) Find the area of region I and state its physical meaning.
(3 marks)
(c) (i) Find the maximum height of the coin from the ground.
(2 marks)
(ii) What is the height of point A above the ground?

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(1 mark)
(d) Sketch the acceleration–time graph of the coin from 0 s to 6 s.
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) The speed of the balloon is 20 m s−1. (1A)

2 ´ 20
(b) Area of region I = = 20 m (1M+1A)
2
This area is equal to the upward distance travelled by the coin. (1A)

(c) (i) Maximum height of the coin from the ground

= area of region II
(6 - 2) ´ 40
= (1M+1A)
2
= 80 m
(ii) Height of point A above the ground
= area of region II - area of region I
= 80 - 20 (1A)

= 60 m
(d)
acceleration / m s-2

10

0 time / s
1 2 3 4 5 6
-5

-10

(2A)

(Level 2)

Code: 05C2Q001, Total marks: 10

A stone is thrown vertically upwards on a certain planet. The velocity–time graph of

the stone is shown below.

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velocity / m s-1

6
Z
4

Y
0 time / s
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
-2

-4

-6

-8 X

(a) Describe the motion of the stone

(i) from X to Y,
(1 mark)
(ii) at Y, and
(1 mark)
(iii) from Y to Z.
(1 mark)
(b) Find the slope of the graph and state its physical meaning.
(2 marks)
(c) Find the maximum height reached by the stone.
(2 marks)
(d) Draw the new velocity–time graph of the stone for each of the following cases.
(i) The stone is projected upwards with the velocity doubled.
(1 mark)
(ii) The stone is projected with the same velocity on the Earth.
(1 mark)
(iii) A stone of greater mass is projected with the same velocity.
(1 mark)
Answer:
(a) (i) The stone is moving upwards with a constant downward acceleration. (1A)
(ii) The stone is momentarily at rest. (1A)

(iii) The stone is moving downwards with a constant downward acceleration. (1A)

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0 - (-8)
(b) Slope of the graph = = 1.6 m s -2 (1M+1A)
5
The slope of the graph is equal to the acceleration of the stone.
(c) Maximum height reached by the stone
= area under the graph from t = 0 s to t = 5 s
5´8
= (1M+1A)
2
= 20 m
(d)
velocity / m s-1

6 (ii) (iii)

2
(i)

0 time / s
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
-2

-4

-6

-8

-10

-12

-14

-16

(3A)

Code: 05C2Q002, Total marks: 13

A ball is projected vertically downwards at 5 m s -1 from a height of 20 m above the

ground. It rebounds to a maximum height of 20 m.

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5 m s-1

20 m

The velocity–time graph of the ball is shown below. Downward direction is taken as
positive.
velocity / m s-1

B
v1

A
5
0 time / s
D

v2
C

(a) Explain why the slopes of the lines AB and CD are equal.
(1 mark)
(b) Find the values of v1 and v2.
(3 marks)
(c) Find the time taken for
(i) the downward journey.
(2 marks)
(ii) the upward journey.
(2 marks)
(d) Sketch the displacement–time graph of the ball.
(3 marks)
(e) Suppose the ball is projected vertically upwards at the same speed. How will the

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rebound height of the ball change? Explain briefly.

(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) The ball has the same acceleration in its upward and downward journeys.
Therefore, the slopes of the lines AB and CD are equal. (1A)

(b) Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, we have

2
v1 - 5 2 = 2 ´ 10 ´ 20
v1 = 20.6 m s -1

2
0 2 - v2 = 2 ´ 10 ´ (-20)
(1M+2A)
v2 = -20 m s -1
(c) (i) Applying v = u + at, we have
20.6 = 5 + 10t
(1M+1A)
t = 1.56 s
The time taken for the downward journey is 1.56 s.
(ii) Applying v = u + at , we have
0 = -20 + 10t
(1M+1A)
t = 2s
The time taken for the upward journey is 2 s.
(d)
displacement / m

20

time / s
0 1.56 3.56 (3A)

(e) The rebound height will remain unchanged. When the ball first passes the point
of projection, its downward speed is 5 m s−1. Therefore, the ball will rebound to a
height of 20 m. (2A)

Code: 05C2Q003, Total marks: 11

Tom and Mary travels from Nam Cheong to Tuen Mun by different vehicles. Tom
travels to Tuen Mun by West Rail while Mary drives with her own car. The map

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below shows Kowloon West, New Territories West and the route of West Rail.

(a) Though the average speed of the car is lower, Mary reaches Tuen Mun in a
shorter time. Suggest a possible reason.
(1 mark)
(b) Tom takes 30 minutes to reach Tuen Mun. It is known that the total length of the
railway is 30.5 km.
(i) Find the average speed of Tom for the whole journey.
(2 marks)
(ii) From the map, estimate the magnitude of average velocity of Tom. Neglect
the difference in altitude between the platforms of the termini.
(2 marks)
Express your answers in m s-1.
(c) A train under testing travels from Tuen Mun station to Siu Hong station which
are about 2 km apart. Initially at rest in Tuen Mun station, the train accelerates
uniformly at 1 m s-2, then decelerates uniformly at -1 m s-2 and finally stops at
Siu Hong station. Assume that the train travels in a straight line.
(i) Sketch a velocity–time graph to represent the motion of the train.
(3 marks)
(ii) Hence, or otherwise, find the time of the journey.
(3 marks)
Answer:
(a) The distance travelled by Mary could be shorter. (1A)

s
(b) (i) Applying u = , the average speed of Tom is
t

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30.5 ´ 1000
u=
30 ´ 60 (1M+1A)

= 16.9 m s -1
(ii) The magnitude of displacement of Tom is 8.9 ´ 2.3 = 20.47 km.
s
Applying u = , the magnitude of average velocity of Tom is
t
20.47 ´ 1000
u=
30 ´ 60 (1M+1A)

= 11.4 m s -1
(c) (i)

(3A)

(ii) Let t1 be the time of the whole journey.

Since both the magnitudes of the acceleration and deceleration equal
1 m s-2, the highest velocity of the train is 0.5t1.

(1M)

The area under the graph represents the displacement of the train, which is
known as 2000 m. Thus
0.5t1 ´ t1
2000 =
2 (1M+1A)

t1 = 89.4
The time of the whole journey is about 89.4 s.

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Code: 05C2Q004, Total marks: 11

In a well-known parable, a hare competes with a tortoise in a race. However, due to

the arrogance of the hare, it is eventually defeated. The parable teaches us that a
person should behave in a humble and modest manner.

The hare and the tortoise start at the same time. The hare runs at a speed of 1.8 m s-1
and the tortoise crawls at a speed of 0.19 m s-1. After 50 seconds, the hare take a nap
for 9 minutes. When it wakes up, it notices that the tortoise is heading towards the
goal. It runs at a speed of 1.8 m s-1 but finally it lags behind the tortoise by 6 m.
(a) At the instant the tortoise reaches the goal,
(i) which one of them, the hare or tortoise, has a higher instantaneous speed?
(1 mark)
(ii) which one of them has a higher average speed for each of their journeys?
(1 mark)
(b) Find the time needed for the tortoise to complete the race.
(2 marks)
(c) Find the distance travelled by the tortoise in the race.
(2 marks)
(d) Draw, on the same graph paper, the distance–time (s–t) graphs of the hare and the
tortoise. Hence, or otherwise, find the time at which the tortoise meets the
dreaming hare.
(5 marks)
Answer:
(a) (i) the hare (1A)

(ii) the tortoise (1A)

(b) Let t be the time needed for the tortoise to complete the race.
0.19t - 1.8 ´ (t - 9 ´ 60 ) = 6
(1M+1A)
t = 600 s
The time needed for the tortoise to complete the race is 600 s.
(c) Applying s = ut, the distance travelled is 0.19 ´ 600 = 114 m. (1M+1A)

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(d) The distance–time graphs are as shown.

(4A)

From the graph, they meet at t = 470 s. (1A)

Article Reading
(Level 1)

Code: 05D1Q001, Total marks: 5

Read the following article about a new car pedal design and answer the questions that
follow.

A pedal that works as both an accelerator and a brake can greatly improve normal
reaction time of a driver. It can save lives if car makers adopt the design. Officials
at the Swedish National Road Administration have already done extensive road
tests and approved the device for use.

It takes longer to brake in an emergency with separate pedals. It takes at least 0.2
seconds to move your foot from one pedal to the other, and at 90 kilometers per
hour this adds five meters to your stopping distance.

Another problem with separate pedals is that it's easy to hit the wrong one. A
slight misjudgment when going for the brake can lead to the accelerator being
clipped, causing a crash.

With the new combined pedal you have to make two distinct motions for
accelerating and braking, and you can't do both at the same time.

To accelerate you pivot the pedal, while to brake you push the entire pedal
mechanism forwards. So accelerating is predominantly an ankle movement, while
braking comes from extending the whole leg. You can go from acceleration to

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braking instantly, just by pressing the combined pedal forward.

(a) Briefly explain what reaction time is.

(1 mark)
(b) State two factors that affect the reaction time of a driver.
(2 marks)
(c) Briefly explain why the new pedal design can improve car safety.
(2 marks)
Answer:
(a) Reaction time is the time lag between the instant at which the driver sees a
danger and the instant at which the driver applies the brake. (1A)

(b) Physical condition / alcohol / medicine (2A)

(c) The new pedal design shortens the reaction time of drivers and therefore reduces
the stopping distance. (2A)

Describe a Method
(Level 1)

Code: 05E1Q001, Total marks: 4

You are given a metre rule, a stopwatch, a marble, some plasticine and a ramp.

Describe an experiment to find the acceleration of the marble when it runs down the
ramp. (4 marks)
Answer:
Attach the plasticine to the bottom of the ramp. (1A)

Hold the marble at a certain position on the ramp and measure its distance s from the
plasticine. (1A)

Release the marble from rest and start timing with the stopwatch. Stop timing as soon
as the marble hits the plasticine. Record the time as t. (1A)

Plot a graph of s against t2. A straight line passing through the origin should be

obtained. The slope of the graph equals , where a is the acceleration of the marble

down the ramp. (1A)

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