Chapter 2: One-Dimensional Kinematics (Position, Velocity, Acceleration)

Practice flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on one-dimensional kinematics, measurement, and related

What is displacement?

The change in position from the initial to the final position; a vector with magnitude and direction (Δx).

What is distance?

The total length of the path traveled; a scalar quantity.

What is a coordinate system in 1D kinematics?

Define a positive x direction and an origin; keep it consistent; align the axis with the motion to simplify calculations.

What is velocity?

Displacement per unit time; a vector with units of meters per second (m/s).

What is speed?

Distance per unit time; a scalar with units of m/s.

What is average velocity?

Displacement divided by the total time; a vector; equals the slope of the position–time graph over the interval.

What is instantaneous velocity?

Velocity at a specific instant; the slope of the position–time curve at that instant (the tangent); as Δt → 0.

What is acceleration?

Change in velocity per unit time; a vector with units m/s^2.

What is average acceleration?

(vf − vi) / (tf − ti); the change in velocity over the time interval.

What is instantaneous acceleration?

Acceleration at a precise instant; the slope of the velocity–time curve at that instant.

What is the acceleration due to gravity near Earth’s surface (g)?

Approximately 9.81 m/s^2 downward; used in problems unless stated otherwise.

What is Equation 1 for constant acceleration?

v = v0 + a t.

What is Equation 2 for constant acceleration?

x = x0 + v0 t + (1/2) a t^2.

What is Equation 3 for constant acceleration?

v^2 = v0^2 + 2 a (x − x0).

What is Equation 4 for constant acceleration?

x = x0 + (v0 + v)/2 · t.

How do you decide which kinematic equation to use in a problem?

Identify the knowns and the unknowns, choose the equation that contains the required unknown, and ensure constant acceleration; use rearrangements if time is not given.