# A rowing boat moves along a straight river. It starts from rest and accelerates uniformly for 8 seconds, reaching a velocity of 4 m/s. It then travels at a constant velocity of 4 m/s for a further 12 seconds before decelerating uniformly to rest in 4 seconds. Describe the motion of the rowing boat during each of the three stages of its journey, referring to the velocity-time graph that would represent this motion.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 1.2 Movement and position · Describe · 4 marks

> A rowing boat moves along a straight river. It starts from rest and accelerates uniformly for 8 seconds, reaching a velocity of 4 m/s. It then travels at a constant velocity of 4 m/s for a further 12 seconds before decelerating uniformly to rest in 4 seconds.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. During the first stage, the boat accelerates uniformly from rest, so the velocity-time graph shows a straight line with a positive gradient.
2. During the second stage, the boat travels at constant velocity, so the velocity-time graph shows a horizontal straight line.
3. During the third stage, the boat decelerates uniformly to rest, so the velocity-time graph shows a straight line with a negative gradient.
4. The area under the velocity-time graph represents the total distance travelled by the boat.

## Key terms

- [velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/velocity)
- [velocity-time graph](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/velocity-time-graph)
- [constant velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/constant-velocity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-rowing-boat-moves-along-a-1beae187) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.