Unit 2 Science 8

What is the definition of “reference point”?

an object that appears to stay in place and helps detect motion in another object

What is the definition of “reference frame”?

a point of view on motion (speed and direction) relative to a reference point

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

distance = total path traveled (scalar), displacement = change in position from start to finish (vector)

What is the definition of “speed” ?

how fast an object moves (distance/time)

What is the definition of “velocity” ?

speed WITH DIRECTION (a vector)

What is the definition of “acceleration” ?

the rate of change of velocity over time (includes speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction)

What is the difference between positive and negative velocity?

positive = moving in one direction (forward/right); negative = moving in opposite direction (left/backward)

What is the difference between positive and negative acceleration?

positive = speeding up; negative = slowing down (deceleration/negative acceleration)

How do I find speed?

distance/time

How do I find velocity?

(final position - initial position)/time

How do I find acceleration?

(final velocity - starting velocity)/time

On a position vs. time graph, what does a straight, upward line mean? Flat line? Steeper slope? Downward slope?

constant velocity; no motion; faster speed; motion in opposite direction

On a velocity vs. time graph, what does a flat line above zero mean? Flat and below zero? Upward slope? Downward slope?

constant speed forward; constant speed backward; acceleration (speeding up); deceleration (slowing down)

What does the slope of a line in a position vs. time graph represent?

slope = speed/velocity

What does the slope of a line in a velocity vs. time graph represent?

slope = acceleration