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Speed Distance Time Investigations

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Speed Distance Time Investigations

A toy-car team is testing how a ramp affects speed. Use the investigation notes and data below to calculate, compare and explain. Speed = distance ÷ time. Include units in your answers.

The investigation

Freya and Finn release the same toy car from the same start line. They change the ramp height and measure how far the car rolls in 4 seconds. The track is flat after the ramp. They repeat each test three times.

Ramp height

Trial distances (m)

Mean distance (m)

Low

2.4, 2.8, 2.8

2.67

Medium

3.6, 3.2, 3.6

3.47

High

4.4, 4.8, 4.8

4.67

Plan and predict

1.Which factor did Freya and Finn change between tests?

The ramp height
The toy car
The time for each test
The track surface

2.Name two things the team should keep the same to make this a fair test.

3.Predict what will happen to the distance travelled in 4 seconds as the ramp gets higher. Give a reason for your prediction.

Calculate and compare

4.At the medium ramp height, the car travels 3.6 m in 4 s. Calculate its speed using speed = distance ÷ time. Include the correct unit.

5.Use the mean distances in the results table to calculate the mean speed for the low ramp. Show the calculation and include a unit.

6.Which ramp height gave the greatest mean speed?

Low
Medium
High

7.The high-ramp distances were 4.4 m, 4.8 m and 4.8 m. What is their mean distance? Show how you worked it out.

8.Why is it useful to repeat each test three times instead of relying on one result?

Explain the evidence

9.True or false? In this investigation, the car travelled for the same amount of time in every test, so comparing distances is a useful way to compare speeds.

TrueFalse

10.The team notices that one trial distance is different from the other two. What should they do before deciding it is an error?

Delete it straight away
Check their notes and equipment, then repeat the test if possible
Change the other results to match
Ignore all three results

11.State one way to improve the accuracy of measuring the car’s distance and one way to release the car consistently.

12.Write a conclusion using the results. Describe the relationship between ramp height and mean speed, and include at least one piece of numerical evidence.