Kinematics lessons for Pearson Edexcel A-level Physics

In the Edexcel A-level syllabus

1. Lesson 4Scalars vs Vectors

   Current has a direction, so why is it a scalar?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: Topic 2: Mechanics, 12. understand scalar and vector quantities and know examples of each type of quantity and recognise vector notation

Partly in the syllabus

Only part of the lesson is in the syllabus. Each lesson says which part.

1. Lesson 5Distance vs Displacement

   Run a full lap on a 400 m track: is your displacement 400 m or 0?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: Topic 2: Mechanics, 12. understand scalar and vector quantities and know examples of each type of quantity; Topic 2, 10. be able to draw and interpret displacement-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs

   In it: Scalar and vector quantities with examples are listed, and displacement appears as the axis of a displacement-time graph. Not in it: Distance and displacement are not named or defined, so the two are not compared directly.

2. Lesson 6Average Speed vs Average Velocity vs Instantaneous Velocity

   Two taxi rides to the same place: 7.5 km in 14 min, or 10 km in 15 min. Which one is faster?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: Appendix 2 Mathematical skills, C.3.6 Draw and use the slope of a tangent to a curve as a measure of rate of change; C.3.7 Distinguish between instantaneous rate of change and average rate of change

   In it: Velocity from the tangent to a displacement-time graph, and how that differs from average velocity, appear as a maths skill. Not in it: Average speed is not listed, and velocity and speed are not set out as separate quantities in the Topic 2 content.

3. Lesson 9What Is Acceleration? Why It's 180, Not 20

   You gain 30 points in 120 days, your friend gains 10 points in 10 days. Who improved faster?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: Topic 2: Mechanics, 9. be able to use the equations for uniformly accelerated motion in one dimension; Appendix 2, C.3.5 (calculate acceleration from a linear velocity-time graph)

   In it: The equations for uniform acceleration, and acceleration from the slope of a velocity-time graph, are listed. Not in it: Acceleration is never defined as the rate of change of velocity (a = Δv/Δt) in the specification text.

Not listed as a separate topic

These are basic ideas that the later lessons build on, so they are still worth watching first.

1. Lesson 1Point Mass (Particle) Explained

   Can a walking cat be treated as a particle?

2. Lesson 2Frame of Reference & Coordinate System

   Sitting still on a speeding subway: are you moving or not?

3. Lesson 3Instant vs Time Interval

   Is "the 3rd second" a moment or a stretch of time?

4. Lesson 7How to Find Average Velocity of a Multi-Part Trip

   A car covers 1/4 of the trip at 20 m/s and the rest at speed v. The whole-trip average velocity is 16 m/s. What is v?

5. Lesson 8How to Find Change in Velocity: Why It's 7, Not 3

   A ball hits the ground at 5 m/s and bounces up at 2 m/s. Is its change in velocity 3 m/s or 7 m/s?

6. Lesson 10Speeding Up or Slowing Down? Check a and v

   A car's acceleration keeps getting smaller. Is it speeding up or slowing down?