APP1 Unit 1 - 4 Variables

x

position (m)

v

velocity: speed with direction (m/s)

Vavg

average velocity: total distance interval over total time interval (m/s)

∆x

displacement: final position - initial position (m)

d

distance: total length traveled (m)

a

acceleration: rate of change of velocity (m/s²)

g

gravitational field strength (m/s²)

∆t

time interval = tf - ti (s)

F

force: causes acceleration if unbalanced (N)

m

mass: resistance to change in motion (kg)

µ

coefficient of friction: dependent on materials only

k

spring constant: stiffness of spring (N/m)

∆x (springs)

compression/stretch of spring from equilibrium (m)

F(fs)

static friction: force required to overcome friction and make an object move (N)

F(fk)

kinetic friction: friction between surfaces during motion (N)

F(g)

force of gravity: also called weight (N)

F(N)

normal force: force from surface; always perpendicular to surface (N)

F(T)

force of tension: always pulls (N)

Equilibrium

net force = zero; balanced forces (no symbol)