AP Physics 1 Unit 1 (Kinematics)

Position

coordinates in relation to another (usually the origin). Position is a vector. Symbol = x.

Displacement

The position of the final coordinates is subtracted from the position of the initial coordinates. Displacement is a vector. Symbol = ∆x

• ∆x = x_{f ⁻} x_i

Distance

Total length taken over a period of time, not displacement. Distance is a scalar. Symbol = d

Vector

A quantity with both magnitude an direction

Scalar

A quantity with just magnitude, no direction.

Magnitude

The size of something, absolute value.

Velocity

The speed/rate of change of an object. Symbol = v

• (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)

Acceleration

The rate at which an objects speed is increasing or decreasing. Symbol = a.

Velocity VS time graph

Shows how an object's speed and direction change over time, with time on the horizontal (x) axis and velocity on the vertical (y) axis.

• x_f - x_i = vt

Acceleration VS time graph

Shows how an object's change in speed over time, with time on the horizontal (x) axis change in velocity on the vertical (y) axis.

• v_f - v_i = at

Position VS time graph

Shows an objects position in relation to time.