Physics Chapter 2: Motion Key Concepts and Graph Interpretation

Distance

The total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of direction.

Displacement

The shortest distance from the initial to the final position of an object, including direction.

Velocity

The rate at which an object covers distance, calculated as distance divided by time.

Speed

The rate at which an object changes its position, including both speed and direction.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity of an object with respect to time.

Force

push or pull

Inertia

The tendency of matter to resist changes in its velocity

Constant Speed

When an object travels the same distance in equal intervals of time.

Changing Speed

When an object's speed varies over time.

Instantaneous Speed

The speed of an object at a specific moment in time.

Slope of a Distance vs. Time Graph

Represents the velocity of the object.

Slope of a Velocity vs. Time Graph

Represents the acceleration of the object.

Negative Acceleration

Indicates that an object is slowing down or decelerating.

Balanced Forces

Forces that are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Unbalanced Forces

Forces that are not equal and opposite, resulting in a change in motion.

Newton's First Law of Motion

An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.