Theme A · Space, time and motion
Kinematics describes motion using displacement, velocity, acceleration, graphs and projectile models.
Observed assessment
Based on the exam material analysed in our dataset.
Based on 2024–2025 HL exam material analysed in our private dataset. Reviewed 2024 items are included only where mapped to the current syllabus. These observations describe the analysed sample and are not predictions of future examinations.
Question demands
Preparation focus
Kinematics shows a strong balance between conceptual application and calculation in the exam material analysed. Derivation and deduction also form a meaningful part of the observed assessment mix, while representation, explanation and evaluation appear less frequently. Preparation should therefore combine confident equation use with the ability to translate physical situations into mathematical models and justify intermediate steps.
Original questions
17 original questions with worked solutions.
Question pattern
Connects velocity, acceleration, time and displacement during one interval of constant acceleration.
Original question
Calculate & apply
Start questionQuestion pattern
Separates constant horizontal motion from vertical free fall and recombines the impact velocity.
Original question
Calculate & apply
Start questionQuestion pattern
Links consecutive acceleration and constant-speed stages while preserving each boundary condition.
Early access
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Original question
Calculate & apply
Start questionQuestion pattern
Uses a coordinate direction to distinguish path length from signed displacement and their average rates.
Original question
Calculate & apply
Start questionOriginal question
Apply concept
Start questionQuestion pattern
Interprets straight-segment, secant and tangent gradients as velocities over intervals or at an instant.
Original question
Calculate & apply
Start questionOriginal question
Calculate & apply
Start questionQuestion pattern
Uses graph gradient and signed area to connect acceleration, velocity, displacement and distance.
Original question
Calculate & apply
Start questionOriginal question
Calculate & apply
Start questionQuestion pattern
Builds or translates consistent position–time, velocity–time and acceleration–time representations.
Original question
Represent & draw
Start questionOriginal question
Represent & draw
Start questionQuestion pattern
Resolves an angled launch into components and follows vertical motion to the landing level.
Original question
Calculate & apply
Start questionOriginal question
Calculate & apply
Start questionQuestion pattern
Qualitatively compares ideal and resisted motion, changing acceleration and approach to terminal speed.
Original question
Explain & reason
Start questionOriginal question
Evaluate & predict
Start questionQuestion pattern
Uses sensor or video measurements to estimate a parameter, account for uncertainty and evaluate a model.
Original question
Evaluate & predict
Start questionOriginal question
Evaluate & predict
Start question