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Cambridge IGCSE Physics - motion

IGCSE Physics motion

Motion is a language of change. Learn to translate between a written journey, a diagram, a table, a graph, and an equation so that speed and acceleration are conclusions from a model rather than numbers found by pattern matching.

Framework
Cambridge Physics 0625
Level
Cambridge IGCSE Physics Core and Extended
Guide format
Topic and graph-skills guide

Start with the model

Read motion from shape, slope, and area.

Distance and speed are scalar measures; displacement and velocity require a direction. Acceleration describes the rate of change of velocity, so an object can accelerate while slowing down if velocity and acceleration point in opposite directions. Write a direction convention before using signed quantities.

On a distance-time graph, gradient represents speed. On a velocity-time graph, gradient represents acceleration and signed area represents displacement. A horizontal segment therefore means different things on the two graphs. Always read the axis labels before interpreting the line.

Study pathway

Four decisions that organize the topic.

Follow the sequence or open the step that matches your current gap. Destination pages keep their existing access rules.

  1. 01

    Name the quantities

    Separate distance from displacement and speed from velocity before choosing a formula.

    Open this step
  2. 02

    Read gradients

    Use two well-separated points on a straight line and include units in the gradient calculation.

    Open this step
  3. 03

    Use velocity-time area

    Split a shape into manageable regions and preserve signs when the graph crosses the time axis.

    Open this step
  4. 04

    Check the story

    Sketch or describe the motion represented by the result, including stops, reversals, and changing speed.

    Open this step

Use it deliberately

A graph-first motion routine

Use this routine whenever the question moves between prose, graphs, and calculations.

  1. 01

    Write each axis quantity and unit, then identify whether direction is represented.

  2. 02

    Describe every segment in words before calculating gradients or areas.

  3. 03

    Keep intermediate units visible so metres, seconds, and compound units do not drift.

  4. 04

    Compare the final value with the graph scale and the described journey.

Continue on GioPhysics

A mapped route, not a search-results wall.

Curriculum context on this page is public. Lessons, presentations, files, and practice follow the access message shown when you open them.

MapIGCSE mechanics directorySee motion, mass and weight, and effects of forces in syllabus context.LearnOne-dimensional motion, part 1Build position, displacement, velocity, and graph foundations.ExtendOne-dimensional motion, part 2Connect acceleration, free fall, gradients, and graph area.PractiseMotion applicationsWork through guided motion problems from direct to multi-step.

Questions before you begin

Clear scope, honest expectations.

What does the gradient of a distance-time graph show?

It shows speed. A steeper line means a greater speed, while a horizontal line means the distance is not changing.

Can acceleration be negative while an object speeds up?

Yes. If velocity is also negative, an acceleration in the negative direction can increase the magnitude of velocity. The signs describe direction, not automatically speeding up or slowing down.

Should I memorize graph shapes?

Learn what gradient, area, and axis quantities mean. Then you can reason through an unfamiliar shape instead of relying on a memorized picture.