Physical Motion Quiz: Trivia Questions On Motion
Quiz: trivia questions on motion! Motion is seen as the change of position of something at a given rate over time. Motion exists in four types of speed, which are rotary, oscillating, linear, and reciprocating. Motion is seen as a product of distance divided by time. In the quiz provided, you will be expected to show just how much you know about motion and work out some mathematical problems. Do give it a try!
Physical Motion Questions and Answers
- 1.
______ is a unit of speed:
- A.
M/s
- B.
S
- C.
Kg
- D.
Hr
Correct Answer
A. M/sExplanation
The unit m/s represents meters per second, which is a measure of speed. It indicates how many meters an object travels in one second. This unit is commonly used in physics and engineering to describe the velocity of an object or the rate at which it changes its position. The other options (s, kg, and hr) do not represent units of speed but rather represent units of time (seconds), mass (kilograms), and time (hours), respectively.Rate this question:
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- 2.
If a total distance of 750 m is covered in a time interval of 25 s, the average speed is ______?

- A.
3,974 mph
- B.
3 mph
- C.
30 mph
- D.
30 m/s
Correct Answer
D. 30 m/sExplanation
The average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance covered by the time taken. In this case, the total distance covered is 750 m and the time interval is 25 s. Therefore, the average speed is 750 m / 25 s = 30 m/s.Rate this question:
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- 3.
______________ describes how fast something is going, whereas, __________ describes how fast something is going and in a certain direction.

- A.
Speed, velocity
- B.
Rate, speed
- C.
Rate, velocity
- D.
Speed, acceleration
Correct Answer
A. Speed, velocityExplanation
Speed is a scalar quantity that describes how fast something is going, regardless of its direction. On the other hand, velocity is a vector quantity that not only describes how fast something is going but also includes its direction. Therefore, speed and velocity are different in that velocity takes into account both speed and direction, whereas speed only considers the magnitude of the motion.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following is a measure of velocity?
- A.
30 s
- B.
30 South
- C.
30 m/s
- D.
30 m/s, South
Correct Answer
D. 30 m/s, SouthExplanation
The correct answer is 30 m/s, South. Velocity is a measure of the rate at which an object changes its position. It includes both the speed and direction of an object's motion. In this case, the answer "30 m/s, South" indicates that the object is moving at a speed of 30 meters per second in the south direction.Rate this question:
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- 5.
If a person walking at 2 m/s for 12 s he/she would travel a distance of ________.
- A.
24 m
- B.
6 m
- C.
4 m
- D.
None of the answers
Correct Answer
A. 24 mExplanation
If a person is walking at a speed of 2 m/s for 12 seconds, we can calculate the distance traveled by multiplying the speed by the time. So, 2 m/s * 12 s = 24 m. Therefore, the person would travel a distance of 24 meters.Rate this question:
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- 6.
8. The ______ of a distance versus time graph is speed.

- A.
Slope
- B.
Y-intercept
- C.
Origin
- D.
None of the answers
Correct Answer
A. SlopeExplanation
The slope of a distance versus time graph represents the rate at which an object is moving, which is the definition of speed. The steeper the slope, the faster the object is moving, and the flatter the slope, the slower the object is moving. Therefore, the slope of a distance versus time graph is directly related to the speed of the object.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Does the speedometer of a car read average speed or instantaneous speed?
- A.
Average speed
- B.
Instantaneous speed
Correct Answer
B. Instantaneous speedExplanation
The speedometer of a car reads instantaneous speed, which means it shows the speed of the car at any given moment. It provides real-time information about how fast the car is currently moving. In contrast, average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time taken, and it gives an overall measure of the car's speed over a period of time. However, the speedometer only displays the instantaneous speed, allowing the driver to know the current speed at any given moment.Rate this question:
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- 8.
An airplane is flying at 635 km per hour at an altitude of 35,000 m. It is currently over Kansas and is approximately 16 minutes ahead of its scheduled arrival time. What is its velocity?
- A.
635 km/h
- B.
16 m/min
- C.
35 000 m/s
- D.
This cannot be determined without further information about its direction.
- E.
This cannot be determined without further information about its time.
Correct Answer
D. This cannot be determined without further information about its direction.Explanation
The velocity of an object is a vector quantity that includes both magnitude and direction. In this question, we are given the speed of the airplane (635 km/h) and its altitude (35,000 m), but we do not have any information about its direction. Therefore, without knowing the direction in which the airplane is flying, we cannot determine its velocity.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The difference between speed and velocity is that velocity includes
- A.
Direction
- B.
Distance
- C.
Time
- D.
Weight
- E.
Force
Correct Answer
A. DirectionExplanation
Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both magnitude and direction. Speed, on the other hand, is a scalar quantity that only includes magnitude. Therefore, the main difference between speed and velocity is that velocity includes direction.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following does not indicate velocity?
- A.
14 ft/s SSE
- B.
40 mi/h toward the town square along the main street
- C.
80 km/h going from New York toward New Jersey
- D.
28 miles from Los Angeles to Catalina Island
- E.
All of these indicate velocity.
Correct Answer
D. 28 miles from Los Angeles to Catalina IslandExplanation
The given options describe different movements with specific directions and distances. However, the option "28 miles from Los Angeles to Catalina Island" does not indicate velocity because it only provides the distance between two locations without any information about the direction or time taken to cover that distance. Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both speed and direction, and this option lacks the direction component.Rate this question:
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- 11.
When an object slows down, its acceleration is
- A.
Positive.
- B.
Centripetal.
- C.
Negative.
- D.
Constant.
- E.
Centrifugal.
Correct Answer
C. Negative.Explanation
When an object slows down, its acceleration is negative. This is because acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity, and velocity is a vector quantity that includes both magnitude and direction. When an object slows down, its velocity decreases, which means there is a negative change in velocity over time. Therefore, the acceleration is negative.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Moving from 0 m/s to 25 m/s in 8.0 s equals an average acceleration of
- A.
0.32 m/s.
- B.
0.32 m/s2.
- C.
3.1 m/s.
- D.
3.1 m/s2.
- E.
None of these are correct.
Correct Answer
D. 3.1 m/s2.Explanation
The average acceleration can be calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the time taken. In this case, the change in velocity is 25 m/s (final velocity) - 0 m/s (initial velocity) = 25 m/s. The time taken is 8.0 s. Dividing the change in velocity by the time taken gives us 25 m/s / 8.0 s = 3.1 m/s2. Therefore, the correct answer is 3.1 m/s2.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Roger and Natalie travel in similar cars. Roger's car drives the two miles to school in 7.5 minutes. Natalie drives the same distance in the opposite direction but in only 6.5 minutes. What is true of their velocities?
- A.
Roger and Natalie have velocities with the same magnitude only.
- B.
Natalie's velocity is greater in magnitude than Roger's velocity.
- C.
Roger's velocity is greater in magnitude than Natalie's velocity.
- D.
Roger and Natalie have velocities with the same direction and magnitude.
Correct Answer
B. Natalie's velocity is greater in magnitude than Roger's velocity.Explanation
Since both Roger and Natalie are traveling the same distance, the ratio of distance to time can be used to compare their velocities. Roger's velocity is calculated as 2 miles / 7.5 minutes = 0.2667 miles/minute. Natalie's velocity is calculated as 2 miles / 6.5 minutes = 0.3077 miles/minute. Therefore, Natalie's velocity is greater in magnitude than Roger's velocity.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which car is accelerating?
- A.
A car that is unmoving
- B.
A car that goes around a curve at a constant speed
- C.
A car that travels in straight line at a constant speed
- D.
A car that is set to a constant speed of 60 miles per hour
Correct Answer
B. A car that goes around a curve at a constant speedExplanation
A car that goes around a curve at a constant speed is the correct answer. Even though the car's speed remains constant, it is still accelerating because acceleration is defined as any change in velocity, including changes in direction. In this case, the car is constantly changing its direction as it goes around the curve, which means it is experiencing acceleration.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which to the following best describes an object with constant velocity?
- A.
It is changing direction
- B.
Its acceleration is increasing
- C.
Its acceleration is zero
- D.
Its acceleration is negative
Correct Answer
C. Its acceleration is zeroExplanation
An object with constant velocity means that its speed and direction are not changing. If the acceleration is zero, it means that there is no change in velocity over time. Therefore, the object is maintaining a constant velocity.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What does the slope of an object accelerating uniformly (at a constant rate) look like on an acceleration vs. time graph? Hint: Draw these to see what they look like.
- A.
Straight and sloping up to the right
- B.
Straight and sloping down to the right
- C.
Straight and horizontal
- D.
Curved up to the right
Correct Answer
C. Straight and horizontalExplanation
The slope of an object accelerating uniformly (at a constant rate) on an acceleration vs. time graph is straight and horizontal. This means that the acceleration remains constant over time. The graph would show a straight line parallel to the x-axis, indicating that the object is experiencing a constant acceleration and not changing its rate of acceleration.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The change in position of an object is known as its _______.
Correct Answer
displacementExplanation
Displacement refers to the change in position of an object. It is a vector quantity that takes into account both the magnitude and direction of the change in position. It is different from distance, which only considers the magnitude of the change. Displacement is often represented by an arrow pointing from the initial position to the final position of the object.Rate this question:
- 18.
A runner runs seven times around a track. If the track is 0.25 miles long, his displacement is ________ miles.
Correct Answer
0, zeroExplanation
Since the runner starts and finishes at the same point, his displacement is zero. Displacement refers to the change in position from the starting point to the final point, and in this case, there is no change as the runner returns to the starting point after completing seven laps. Therefore, the displacement is zero miles.Rate this question:
- 19.
The term for how quickly an object's velocity changes is known as __________.
Correct Answer
accelerationExplanation
Acceleration refers to the rate at which an object's velocity changes. It is a measure of how quickly an object speeds up, slows down, or changes direction. In other words, it quantifies the change in velocity over time. Therefore, acceleration is the appropriate term to describe how quickly an object's velocity changes.Rate this question:
- 20.
Which of the following statements describes a situation in which the car is undergoing an acceleration?
- A.
A car slows down as it approaches a red light.
- B.
A car speeds up as the light turns green.
- C.
A car makes a right hand turn at a constant speed.
- D.
A car maintains its speed as it travels down a straight road.
Correct Answer(s)
A. A car slows down as it approaches a red light.
B. A car speeds up as the light turns green.
C. A car makes a right hand turn at a constant speed.Explanation
A car slows down as it approaches a red light and a car speeds up as the light turns green both describe situations in which the car is undergoing an acceleration. In both cases, the car's velocity is changing, either decreasing or increasing, which indicates acceleration. A car making a right-hand turn at a constant speed does not involve a change in velocity, so there is no acceleration in this situation. A car maintaining its speed as it travels down a straight road also does not involve a change in velocity, so there is no acceleration in this situation either.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What is the correct equation for average speed?
- A.
Average speed = total time ÷ total distance
- B.
Average speed = total distance ÷ total time
- C.
Average speed = total distance x total time
- D.
Average speed = total distance + total time
- E.
Average speed = total distance - total time
Correct Answer
B. Average speed = total distance ÷ total timeExplanation
The correct equation for average speed is "Average speed = total distance ÷ total time." This equation calculates the average speed by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time taken.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The units of acceleration are:-
- A.
Metres
- B.
Metres per second
- C.
Metres per second squared
- D.
Joules
- E.
Newtons
Correct Answer
C. Metres per second squaredExplanation
The correct answer is "metres per second squared" because acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It measures how quickly an object's velocity is changing. The unit "metres per second squared" represents the change in velocity (in metres per second) per unit of time (in seconds), indicating the acceleration of an object. Therefore, it is the appropriate unit for measuring acceleration.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A cyclist accelerates from rest to 12m/s in 4s. His acceleration is:
- A.
48m/s2
- B.
3m/s2
- C.
0.33m/s2
- D.
1.33m/s2
- E.
0.75m/s2
Correct Answer
B. 3m/s2Explanation
The cyclist accelerates from rest to 12 m/s in 4 seconds. To find the acceleration, we can use the equation: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time. Plugging in the values, we get: acceleration = (12 m/s - 0 m/s) / 4 s = 3 m/s^2. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 m/s^2.Rate this question:
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- 24.
A car traveling at a constant speed around a roundabout is accelerating because:-
- A.
The car is slowing down
- B.
The car is speeding up
- C.
The car is not changing speed
- D.
The car is changing direction
- E.
The car is decelerating
Correct Answer
D. The car is changing directionExplanation
The car is changing direction because it is traveling around a roundabout. Acceleration is defined as any change in velocity, which includes changes in speed or direction. In this case, the car is not changing its speed, but it is changing its direction as it moves around the roundabout. Therefore, the car is accelerating.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which graph best represents the motion of an object whose speed is increasing?
- A.
1
- B.
2
- C.
3
- D.
4
Correct Answer
A. 1Explanation
Graph 1 represents the motion of an object whose speed is increasing because it shows a positive slope, indicating that the object is moving with a constantly increasing speed over time. The steeper the slope, the faster the speed is increasing. This graph is a clear representation of an object accelerating or gaining speed.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Based on the graph below, which statement correctly describes the object's motion?
- A.
The object is speeding up.
- B.
The objects is slowing down.
- C.
The object is maintaining a constant speed.
- D.
The object is not moving.
Correct Answer
C. The object is maintaining a constant speed.Explanation
The graph shows a straight horizontal line, indicating that the object's position is not changing over time. Since the position is not changing, the object is not accelerating or decelerating, meaning it is maintaining a constant speed.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Based on the graph below, which statement correctly describes the object's motion?
- A.
The object is speeding up.
- B.
The object is slowing down.
- C.
The object is maintaining speed.
- D.
The object is not moving.
Correct Answer
A. The object is speeding up.Explanation
Based on the graph, we can see that the object's position is changing at an increasing rate over time. This indicates that the object is accelerating, or in other words, it is speeding up.Rate this question:
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- 28.
_____ describes how fast something is going, whereas, ______ describes how fast something is going and in a certain direction.
- A.
Speed, acceleration
- B.
Velocity, speed
- C.
Velocity, acceleration
- D.
Speed, velocity
Correct Answer
D. Speed, velocityExplanation
Speed is a scalar quantity that describes how fast an object is moving, regardless of its direction. On the other hand, velocity is a vector quantity that not only describes the speed of an object but also its direction of motion. Therefore, the correct answer is speed and velocity.Rate this question:
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- 29.
If a student was walking a distance of 150 meters in 30 seconds, what would that students average speed be?
- A.
5 meters/second
- B.
30 meters/second
- C.
45 meters/second
- D.
35 meters/second
- E.
25 meters/second
Correct Answer
A. 5 meters/secondExplanation
The average speed of a student walking a distance of 150 meters in 30 seconds would be 5 meters/second. This can be calculated by dividing the total distance (150 meters) by the total time (30 seconds).Rate this question:
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