Kinematics Video Note

Vocabulary flashcards covering key kinematics concepts from the lecture notes.

Kinematics

The branch of mechanics that describes motion without reference to the forces causing the motion.

Dynamics

The branch of mechanics that explains motion (why it happens) by studying the forces acting on objects.

Motion

The change in position of an object over time.

Rest

When an object's position does not change as time passes.

Distance

Scalar quantity representing the total ground covered; always positive.

Displacement

Vector quantity representing the change in position; can be positive, negative, or zero.

Speed

Scalar quantity equal to total distance divided by total time; magnitude of velocity; always positive.

Velocity

Rate of change of position; a vector quantity with both speed and direction; v = dx/dt.

Average Velocity

Displacement divided by the time interval: V_ave = Δx / Δt.

Instantaneous Velocity

Velocity at a specific instant; the limit of Δx/Δt as Δt → 0; v = dx/dt.

Acceleration

Rate of change of velocity with time; can involve changes in speed, direction, or both.

Average Acceleration

Δv / Δt over a time interval; a_ave = (v2 − v1) / (t2 − t1).

Instantaneous Acceleration

Acceleration at a specific instant; derivative of velocity with respect to time.

One-Dimensional (Rectilinear) Motion

Motion along a straight line (x-axis) in a single dimension.

Linear Motion

Motion of an object along a straight path.

Curvilinear Motion

Motion along a curved path.

Projectile Motion

Motion of an object along a parabolic path under gravity only.

Circular Motion

Motion of an object along a circular path.

Rotational Motion

Spinning motion of an object about its central axis.

Oscillatory Motion

To-and-fro motion of an object about a fixed point.

Free Fall

Motion along a vertical line under gravity only.

Position

Location of an object with respect to a reference point.

Velocity vs Speed

Velocity is a vector (includes direction); speed is a scalar (no direction).

Kinematic Variables

v0 = initial velocity; v = final velocity; a = acceleration; Δx = displacement; t = time.