Physics 1 - 1D Kinematics (Skills)

How do you mentally calculate acceleration given initial velocity, final velocity, and time?

Subtract initial velocity from final velocity, divide by time: a = (v_f - v_i) / t.

How do you find displacement mentally using average velocity?

Add initial and final velocities, halve, multiply by time: s = [(v_i + v_f) / 2] * t.

How do you determine distance mentally when given displacement?

Take the absolute value of displacement: distance = |s|.

How do you estimate time to travel a distance with constant acceleration mentally?

Estimate t for s = ut + (1/2)at² by testing values and adjusting.

How do you calculate time to the top for an object thrown upwards mentally?

Divide initial velocity by gravity (g ≈ 10 m/s²): t = v_i / g.

How do you find total time for an object thrown upwards and falling back mentally?

Double the time to the top: total time = 2 * t_top.

How do you mentally calculate initial velocity given displacement, time, and final velocity?

Double displacement, divide by time, subtract final velocity: v_i = (2s / t) - v_f.

How do you compute acceleration mentally using initial and final velocities and time?

Subtract initial from final velocity, divide by time: a = (v_f - v_i) / t.

How do you mentally sum forces at angles using components?

Resolve each force into x and y components using SOH-CAH-TOA (F_x = F * cosθ, F_y = F * sinθ), then sum components: F_net_x = ΣF_x, F_net_y = ΣF_y.

How do you find the magnitude of the net force from components mentally?

Use the Pythagorean theorem on summed components: |F_net| = √(F_net_x² + F_net_y²).