Kinematics

Scalar

quantity with magnitute (size) but NO direction

Vector

quantity with magnitute and direction

Position

vector quantity, separation between an object and a reference point including direction

Displacement

vector, change in position includes direction

Distance

scalar quantity, separation between two objects

Independent Variable

manipulated variable, experimentor changes or controls (x-axis)

Dependent Variable

responding variable values change because of independent

Delta

change in position

Time

a suitable moment

Speed

(scalar) how fast no direction

Velocity

(vector) how fast includes direction

Acceleration

rate at which velocity changes (changing speed or direction)

Slope

y/x = d/t = velocity

Rise over run

Constant Speed

speed does not change but direction CAN change

Constant Velocity

speed does not change and direction does NOT change

Instantaneous Velocity

(speed/velocity) at any given time but it includes direction

Average Velocity

total distance divided by the total time

Constant Acceleration

acceleration remains unchanged

Instantaneous Acceleration

(speed/velocity) at any given time but it includes direction

Average Acceleration

v/t