Physics for Students

Numericals on Speed, Velocity and Acceleration

Speed, Velocity and Acceleration

Understanding speed, velocity and acceleration becomes easy only when students practice numericals.
This article is written for students preparing for school exams and competitive tests.

You will find simple, original numericals, clear step-by-step solutions, and exam-focused tips at the end.
No heavy theory, no long derivations — only what you need to score well.

Quick Revision

Speed, Velocity and Acceleration

QuantityMeaning (Simple Words)
SpeedDistance covered per unit time
VelocitySpeed with direction
AccelerationChange in velocity per unit time

 

Solved Numericals

Solved Numericals

Numerical 1: Finding Speed

A cyclist covers 300 meters in 60 seconds.
Find the speed of the cyclist.

Step-by-step solution:

  • Distance = 300 m

  • Time = 60 s

  • Speed = Distance ÷ Time

Answer:
Speed = 300 ÷ 60 = 5 m/s

Numerical 2: Time Taken

A car moves with a speed of 20 m/s.
How much time will it take to cover 400 meters?

Steps:

  • Distance = 400 m

  • Speed = 20 m/s

  • Time = Distance ÷ Speed

Answer:
Time = 400 ÷ 20 = 20 seconds

Numerical 3: Average Speed

A bus travels 120 km in 2 hours and 60 km in 1 hour.
Find the average speed.

Steps:

  • Total distance = 120 + 60 = 180 km

  • Total time = 2 + 1 = 3 hours

  • Average speed = Total distance ÷ Total time

Answer:
Average speed = 180 ÷ 3 = 60 km/h

Numerical 4: Velocity with Direction

A boy runs 100 m east in 20 seconds.
Find his velocity.

Steps:

  • Distance = 100 m east

  • Time = 20 s

  • Velocity = Distance ÷ Time (with direction)

Answer:
Velocity = 100 ÷ 20 = 5 m/s east

Numerical 5: Initial Velocity is Zero

A train starts from rest and reaches 20 m/s in 10 seconds.
Find the acceleration.

Steps:

  • Initial velocity (u) = 0 m/s

  • Final velocity (v) = 20 m/s

  • Time (t) = 10 s

  • Acceleration = (v − u) ÷ t

Answer:
Acceleration = (20 − 0) ÷ 10 = 2 m/s²

Numerical 6: Deceleration Case

A car slows down from 25 m/s to 5 m/s in 10 seconds.
Find the acceleration.

Steps:

  • u = 25 m/s

  • v = 5 m/s

  • t = 10 s

Answer:
Acceleration = (5 − 25) ÷ 10 = −2 m/s²
(Negative sign shows deceleration)

Numerical 7: Distance Using Speed

A runner moves at 6 m/s for 50 seconds.
Find the distance covered.

Steps:

  • Speed = 6 m/s

  • Time = 50 s

  • Distance = Speed × Time

Answer:
Distance = 6 × 50 = 300 meters

Numerical 8: Uniform Acceleration

A bike increases its speed from 10 m/s to 30 m/s in 10 seconds.
Find the acceleration.

Steps:

  • u = 10 m/s

  • v = 30 m/s

  • t = 10 s

Answer:
Acceleration = (30 − 10) ÷ 10 = 2 m/s²

Numerical 9: Finding Final Velocity

A ball starts with a speed of 4 m/s and accelerates at 1 m/s² for 6 seconds.
Find the final velocity.

Steps:

  • u = 4 m/s

  • a = 1 m/s²

  • t = 6 s

  • v = u + at

Answer:
v = 4 + (1 × 6) = 10 m/s

Common Mistakes Students Make

Common Mistakes Students Make

  • Mixing speed and velocity

  • Forgetting direction in velocity answers

  • Ignoring negative acceleration

  • Writing formulas without units

 

Exam Tips

exam

  • Always write the given data first

  • Use SI units only (m, s, m/s)

  • Show at least 2 steps in numericals

  • Mention the direction of velocity

  • Negative acceleration means slowing down

  • Do not jump directly to the answer

  • Neat step-wise solving gives extra marks

 

Conclusion

Practising numericals on speed, velocity, and acceleration builds confidence and improves exam performance.
Focus on understanding what is given, what is asked, and which formula fits — that’s the key.

You may also like

What Is Physics
Physics for Students

What Is Physics? Definition, Branches and Examples for Students

Recently updated on January 9th, 2026 at 05:33 amPhysics is one of the most important subjects in science.It helps us
Types of Motion in Physics
Physics for Students

Types of Motion in Physics Explained with Examples

Recently updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:35 amPhysics helps us understand how things move around us. From a walking