Measuring Speed (OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes

5.6.3 Measuring Speed

Speed Variability

Typical Speeds

• Wind: 5 – 7 $m/s^{-1}$
• Sound: 330 $m/s^{-1}$
• Walking: ~ 1.5 $m/s^{-1}$
• Running: ~ 3 $m/s^{-1}$
• Cycling: ~ 6 $m/s^{-1}$
• Bus: 14 km/h
• Train: 125 miles/h
• Plane: 900 km/h

Distance and Time Measurement

• Distance: measured in mm, cm, m, km.
• Time: measured in ms, s, mins, hours.
• Use appropriate units depending on the lengths involved.