Edexcel IAL M1 Kinematics Questions
Constant-acceleration (suvat) formulae; vertical motion under gravity; displacement-time and velocity-time graphs (variable acceleration and projectiles are M2).
- M1 · Mechanics 1
- Calculator allowed
- 37 practice questions
What the questions test
The 37 M1 kinematics practice questions cover:
Worked example 1
A particle moving with constant acceleration passes three points $A$, $B$ and $C$, in that order, on a straight line. The distance $AB$ is $20 \text{ m}$ and the distance $AC$ is $84 \text{ m}$. The speed of the particle at $B$ is $12 \text{ m s}^{-1}$ and its speed at $C$ is $20 \text{ m s}^{-1}$. Find the acceleration of the particle and its speed at $A$.
Mark scheme
- M1 for $BC = 84 - 20 = 64 \text{ m}$.
- M1 for $v^2 = u^2 + 2as$ from $B$ to $C$: $20^2 = 12^2 + 2a(64)$.
- A1 for $128a = 256 \Rightarrow a = 2 \text{ m s}^{-2}$.
- M1 for $v^2 = u^2 + 2as$ from $A$ to $B$: $12^2 = u_A^2 + 2(2)(20)$.
- A1 for $u_A^2 = 64 \Rightarrow u_A = 8 \text{ m s}^{-1}$.
Worked example 2
Car A travels along a straight road at a constant speed of $25 \text{ m s}^{-1}$. Car B starts from rest at the same point and accelerates uniformly at $3 \text{ m s}^{-2}$ until it reaches a speed of $30 \text{ m s}^{-1}$, after which it maintains this speed. Find the distance Car B travels before it catches up to Car A.
Mark scheme
- M1 for finding the time taken for Car B to reach $30 \text{ m s}^{-1}$: $t = \frac{30}{3} = 10 \text{ s}$.
- M1 for finding the distances covered in the first $10 \text{ s}$: Car B covers $\frac{1}{2} \times 10 \times 30 = 150 \text{ m}$. Car A covers $25 \times 10 = 250 \text{ m}$.
- M1 for setting up an equation for the remaining distance where Car B catches A. Let $t_2$ be the additional time: $150 + 30t_2 = 250 + 25t_2$.
- M1 for solving to find $t_2$: $5t_2 = 100 \implies t_2 = 20 \text{ s}$. Total time = $30 \text{ s}$.
- A1 for finding the total distance: $25 \times 30 = 750 \text{ m}$.
FAQ
What kinematics is in Edexcel IAL M1?
Constant-acceleration (suvat) formulae; vertical motion under gravity; displacement-time and velocity-time graphs (variable acceleration and projectiles are M2).
Is M1 a calculator paper?
Yes, a calculator is allowed in M1, but method marks are only given for working you write down.
How are M1 kinematics questions marked?
With M marks for a correct method, A marks for accurate answers that depend on the M mark before them, and B marks for independent results, as in the worked examples on this page.