IP Physics Notes (Upper Secondary, Year 3-4): 2) Kinematics
In one line
Scalar vs vector travel, kinematics graphs, free fall, and the SUVAT toolkit for IP Year 3-4 problems.
Last updated 30 Nov 2025
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- Start Here
- Scalars, Vectors & Core Definitions
- Graphical Analysis
- Free Fall Essentials
Q: What does IP Physics Notes (Upper Secondary, Year 3-4): 2) Kinematics cover?
A: Scalar vs vector travel, kinematics graphs, free fall, and the SUVAT toolkit for IP Year 3-4 problems.
Quick recap -- Recognise scalar vs vector motion, read gradients/areas off kinematics graphs, treat free fall as constant acceleration, and deploy the correct SUVAT equation based on the knowns you have.
Start Here
| Read time | What to take away |
| 1 second | Kinematics describes motion using displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time. |
| 10 seconds | Gradients and areas on motion graphs carry meaning: gradient of displacement-time is velocity, gradient of velocity-time is acceleration, and area under velocity-time is displacement. |
| 100 seconds | Use the SUVAT toolkit by listing knowns first, choosing the equation that avoids the missing variable, and checking sign direction for free-fall or reverse motion. |
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These notes align with SEAB GCE O-Level Physics (6091) content used in IP programmes (exams from 2026).
Status: SEAB O-Level Physics 6091 syllabus (exams from 2026) checked 2025-11-30 - scope unchanged; remains the reference for these notes.
Scalars, Vectors & Core Definitions
- Distance (scalar) vs displacement (vector) -- displacement carries direction.
- Speed (scalar) vs velocity (vector) -- velocity specifies direction.
- Acceleration: rate of change of velocity,
