Question 1: Define velocity in the context of motion analysis and explain how it differs from speed.

Answer: Velocity is a vector quantity that describes the rate of change of position with respect to time, including direction, whereas speed is a scalar quantity that only measures how fast an object moves regardless of direction.

Question 2: Describe what a velocity-time graph represents and how it can be used to determine an object's acceleration.

Answer: A velocity-time graph shows how an object's velocity changes over time. The slope of the graph indicates acceleration; a positive slope means acceleration, a negative slope indicates deceleration, and a flat line indicates constant velocity.

Question 1: A car accelerates from 0 m/s to 20 m/s over 10 seconds. Calculate its average acceleration in m/s² using the formula: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time.

Answer: 0.2 m/s²

Question 2: A cyclist maintains a velocity of 15 m/s for 30 seconds. How far does the cyclist travel during this time? Use the formula: distance = velocity × time.

Answer: 450 metres

Question 1: Identify at least three variables that need to be controlled when measuring vehicle velocities in an environmental impact study.

Answer: Variables include vehicle mass, road surface conditions, and initial velocity; also environmental factors like wind speed and direction.

Question 2: Outline safety precautions that should be taken when conducting a field experiment involving moving vehicles for environmental analysis.

Answer: Ensure adequate distance from moving vehicles, wear high-visibility clothing, operate in designated areas, and use appropriate signage to warn others.

Question 1: A boat travelling downstream shows a constant velocity of 5 m/s for 15 minutes, then accelerates to 10 m/s over 5 minutes. Describe the changes in its velocity and infer the possible environmental factors affecting this motion.

Answer: Initially, the boat maintains a steady velocity downstream, indicating steady river flow. The subsequent acceleration suggests a change in environmental conditions, such as increased current or wind influence, causing the boat to speed up.

Question 2: A drone used for environmental monitoring shows a velocity-time pattern where it accelerates to 12 m/s in 2 minutes, then maintains that velocity for 10 minutes before decelerating to stop in 1 minute. Explain what this pattern indicates about the drone’s operation during the survey.

Answer: The drone accelerates to reach the survey area, maintains a steady speed for data collection, then decelerates to land or stop. This pattern reflects controlled motion to optimise data collection while managing energy and safety.

Question 1: A vehicle accelerates uniformly from 10 m/s to 30 m/s over 8 seconds. Calculate its acceleration and explain what the velocity-time graph would look like for this motion, including the significance of the slope.

Answer: Using the formula: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time = (30 - 10) / 8 = 2.5 m/s². The velocity-time graph would be a straight line sloping upwards, indicating constant acceleration. The slope represents the magnitude of acceleration. A steeper slope means higher acceleration.

Question 1: Discuss how velocity-time graphs can be used to monitor and analyse the movement of pollutants in water bodies, and why understanding this motion is crucial for environmental management.

Answer: Velocity-time graphs help track the rate and changes in pollutant dispersion, revealing flow patterns, speed variations, and areas of stagnation or rapid movement. This information is vital for predicting pollutant spread, planning clean-up efforts, and implementing effective environmental policies to reduce contamination and protect ecosystems.