Free A.1 Kinematics questions for IB Physics (SL & HL), part of A Space, time & motion. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Generate a full A.1 Kinematics worksheet →All A Space, time & motion questionsAn object starts from rest. Its velocity increases uniformly to 4 m s−1 in 3 s and then decreases uniformly to zero after a further 3 s. It then accelerates uniformly in the opposite direction, reaching 2 m s−1 after 2 s, and slows uniformly to rest after a further 2 s.
What is the magnitude of the displacement of the object from its starting point?
Answer: A
A ball is projected at an angle to the horizontal. Air resistance is NOT negligible. Compared with the motion without air resistance, which statements are correct?
I. The horizontal range is smaller.
II. The time to fall from the maximum height is greater than the time to rise.
III. The acceleration at the highest point is exactly g.
Answer: A
A projectile is launched at an angle above the horizontal. Air resistance is negligible.
What are the velocity and the acceleration of the projectile at its highest point?
| velocity | acceleration | |
|---|---|---|
| A | horizontal, non-zero | zero |
| B | zero | g, vertically downwards |
| C | zero | zero |
| D | horizontal, non-zero | g, vertically downwards |
Answer: D
A stone is thrown from the top of a vertical cliff 20 m above the sea. Its initial velocity is 20 m s−1 at 40° above the horizontal. Air resistance is negligible.
Calculate the maximum height of the stone above the sea.
Show that the stone takes about 3.72 s to reach the sea.
Determine the horizontal distance from the foot of the cliff to where the stone lands.
Determine the speed of the stone as it hits the sea and the angle its velocity makes with the horizontal.
Air resistance is now taken into account. State and explain the effect on the horizontal distance and on the angle at which the stone hits the sea.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | 28.4 m vertical component 12.9 m s−1; rise = vy22g = 8.42 m ✓ height = 28.4 m ✓ | 2 |
| (b) | 3.72 s −20 = 12.9t − 4.91t2 ✓ solving: t = 3.72 s ✓ | 2 |
| (c) | 57.0 m 15.3 × 3.72 = 57.0 m ✓ | 1 |
| (d) | 28.1 m s−1 at 57.0° below horizontal vy = 12.9 − 9.81(3.72) = −23.6 m s−1 ✓ speed = 28.1 m s−1 ✓ angle = 57.0° below the horizontal ✓ | 3 |
| (e) | distance less, angle steeper the horizontal component of velocity decreases throughout, so the distance is smaller ✓ the horizontal velocity at impact is reduced more than the vertical ✓ so the stone hits the sea at a steeper angle ✓ | 3 |
A ball is thrown horizontally at 12 m s−1 from the top of a cliff 45 m high. Air resistance is negligible.
Calculate the time taken for the ball to reach the ground.
Calculate the horizontal distance travelled.
Calculate the speed of the ball as it hits the ground.
Air resistance is now taken into account. Explain the effect on the horizontal distance travelled.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | 3.0 s 45 = ½ × 9.8 × t2 ✓ t = 3.03 s ✓ | 2 |
| (b) | 36 m 12 × 3.03 = 36.4 m ✓ | 1 |
| (c) | 32 m s−1 vy = 9.8 × 3.03 = 29.7 m s−1 ✓ v = √(122 + 29.72) = 32.0 m s−1 ✓ | 2 |
| (d) | distance decreases horizontal velocity decreases during the flight ✓ so the horizontal distance is smaller ✓ | 2 |
A projectile is launched from level ground at 20 m s−1 at 35° to the horizontal. Air resistance is negligible.
Calculate the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity.
Calculate the maximum height reached.
Calculate the horizontal range.
A wall 4.0 m high stands 30 m from the launch point. Determine whether the projectile clears the wall.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | 16.4 and 11.5 m s−1 vx = 20cos35° = 16.4 m s−1 ✓ vy = 20sin35° = 11.5 m s−1 ✓ | 2 |
| (b) | 6.7 m h = vy2/2g ✓ = 11.472/19.6 = 6.71 m ✓ | 2 |
| (c) | 38 m t = 2 × 11.47/9.8 ✓ = 2.34 s ✓ R = 16.38 × 2.34 = 38.3 m ✓ | 3 |
| (d) | yes, 4.6 m t = 30/16.38 = 1.83 s ✓ y = 11.47 × 1.83 − 4.9 × 1.832 = 4.6 m ✓ 4.6 m > 4.0 m so it clears the wall ✓ | 3 |
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Meet Riyaz →Original IB-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not IB past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in