Topic · 11 games

Motion: speed, velocity, and acceleration

Start here to see how position, velocity, and acceleration change over time. Predict a catch time or a safe landing, then measure what really happens.

Games in this topic

11 games

PLAY NOW · 01

Train Track: Where Is Zero?

A train runs between stations on a straight track. Predict where it stops and how far it is displaced, then move the origin: every position changes, but the displacement does not.

PositionReference point
Play Train Track
Position
x = +700 m
Displacement
Δx = x_f − xᵢ

PLAY NOW · 02

Lift Trips: Distance or Displacement?

A lift stops at several floors, from the car park to the top. Predict the distance it travels and its displacement, then watch the trip log add every stretch while the displacement arrow only links start and finish.

DistanceDisplacement
Play Lift Trips
Distance
s = Σ|Δyᵢ|
Displacement
Δy = y_f − yᵢ

PLAY NOW · 03

Dog Walk: Read the Position Graph

A dog walks out from a bench, waits, and runs back. Read its position, displacement, and distance from the position–time graph, then watch the dog and the graph move together.

Position–time graphsDistance and displacement
Play Dog Walk
Position at a time
x(8 s) = 4 m
Displacement
Δx = x(t₂) − x(t₁)

PLAY NOW · 05

Graph Rider: Match the Velocity Graph

A cart must follow a target velocity–time graph. Read each slope, set the acceleration, and watch your trace land on the line, or drift away from it.

Acceleration as slopeVelocity–time graphs
Play Graph Rider
Acceleration is the slope
a = Δv ÷ Δt
Displacement is the area
Δx = area under v–t

PLAY NOW · 06

Galileo's Bells: Ring on the Beat

A ball rolls down a ramp, speeding up all the way. Place four bells so they ring on a steady beat, and hear why equal times do not mean equal distances.

Uniform accelerationDistance and time squared
Play Galileo's Bells
Distance from rest
x = ½·a·t²
Gaps on a steady beat
1 : 3 : 5 : 7

PLAY NOW · 07

Stop on the Line: Brake Just in Time

A car approaches a red light. Predict where to brake so the bumper stops exactly on the line: on a dry road, on a wet road, or after a reaction delay.

DecelerationBraking distance
Play Stop on the Line
Braking distance
d = v₀² ÷ (2a)
Stopping time
t = v₀ ÷ a

PLAY NOW · 08

Drop Test: How Long to Fall?

Drop a ball from a balcony, from a tower, or on the Moon. Predict when it lands and how fast it hits, and find out whether a heavy ball falls faster than a light one.

Free fallAcceleration due to gravity
Play Drop Test
Fall from rest
h = ½·g·t²
Impact speed
v = √(2·g·h)

PLAY NOW · 09

Straight Up: Throw and Catch

Throw a ball straight up and catch it again. Predict how long it rises, how high it goes, and its acceleration at the top, where it stops for an instant.

Vertical throwAcceleration at the top
Play Straight Up
Time to the top
t = v₀ ÷ g
Maximum height
y_max = v₀² ÷ (2g)

PLAY NOW · 10

Reaction Ruler: Catch It!

A friend drops a ruler and you catch it. The mark where your fingers close gives your reaction time through d = ½·g·t². Predict the catches, then measure your own reaction.

Free fallReaction time
Play Reaction Ruler
Distance fallen
d = ½·g·t²
Reaction time
t = √(2d ÷ g)

PLAY NOW · 11

Lunar Lander: Eco-Mission

Guide a falling module onto a landing platform. Learn how opposing accelerations slow a descent, and try a fuel-saving landing on the Moon or Mars.

GravityAcceleration
Play Lunar Lander
Net acceleration
a = aₜ − g
Touchdown velocity
|v| ≤ 1.5 m/s

Other topics

All topics

Collections