🏍️ Calculating Acceleration of a Motorcycle – A Step-by-Step GCSE Guide

In this example, we calculate the acceleration of a motorcycle that increases its speed
from 15 m/s to 35 m/s over a time interval of 4 s.
Since acceleration is the rate of change of speed, this is an ideal opportunity to learn and apply one of the core GCSE Physics equations.

📋 Step 1 — List the Known Quantities

Following the Physics Ninja method List → Equation → Solve → State, we begin by identifying the data:

• u — initial velocity = 15 m/s
• v — final velocity = 35 m/s
• a — acceleration = ? (units: m/s²)
• t — time taken = 4 s

📐 Step 2 — Quote the Relevant Equation

Depending on your exam board, this formula may be provided on your GCSE Physics equation sheet... but it's worth learning anyway:

acceleration = change in velocity / time taken

a = (v − u) / t

🧮 Step 3 — Substitute and Solve

Insert the values into the formula:

a = (35 − 15) / 4

Simplifying this gives:

a = 20 / 4 = 5 m/s²

🏁 Step 4 — State the Final Answer

The motorcycle accelerates at 5 m/s². Always remember to include the correct units
when stating your final answer — acceleration must be expressed in m/s².

This structured method — List, Equation, Solve, State — helps ensure accuracy and clear, logical presentation in all GCSE Physics calculations.