Unit 1: Kinematics

Kinematics

The branch of mechanics that describes the motion of points, bodies, and systems of bodies without considering the forces that cause the motion.

Displacement

A vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object.

Velocity

The rate of change of displacement with respect to time, expressed as a vector.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity with respect to time, also a vector quantity.

Constant Velocity (Position-Time Graphs)

The graph is a straight line with a constant slope.

Positive Slope (Position-Time Graphs)

Indicates motion in the positive direction.

Negative Slope (Position-Time Graphs)

Indicates motion in the negative direction.

Stationary Object (Position-Time Graphs)

The graph is a flat line (slope = 0).

Constant Velocity (Velocity-Time Graphs)

The graph is a horizontal line.

Positive Acceleration (Velocity-Time Graphs)

Indicated by a straight line with a positive slope, meaning the object is speeding up.

Negative Acceleration (Velocity-Time Graphs)

Indicated by a straight line with a negative slope, meaning the object is slowing down.

Deceleration (Velocity-Time Graphs)

When the line can cross the time axis, indicating a change in direction.

Area Under the Graph (Velocity-Time Graphs)

The area under the velocity-time graph provides the displacement of the object during that time interval.