Topic 2: Kinematics of Particles

a = dv/dt

what is the equation to calculate non-constant acceleration

v dv = a ds

what is the equation to calculate acceleration as a function of displacement

v = ds/dt

what is the equation to calculate non-constant velocity

• velocity is the slope of the s-t curve

• acceleration is the slope of the v-t curve

• when v=0, s(t) is at a turning point

• when a=0, v(t) is at a turning point

describe the key points of the displacement-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graph

1. identify provided information and what is required

2. sketch the motion and identify points of interest

3. choose a coordinate system, the origin will determine displacement

4. construct the kinematic conditions table for each axis of motion

5. for each interval, identify the type of acceleration and choose the appropriate equation(s) to use

6. solve the equations for the required information

7. check that your answers make sense

what are the steps to be taken when solving kinematics of particles problems

the direction of the travel tangential to the path

in what direction does the velocity vector point

• the magnitude of v changing

  • acceleration is tangential to path → responsible for change in speed

• the direction of v changing

  • acceleration is normal to the point → responsible for change in velocity

what causes the acceleration vector to arise

0

what is the value of acceleration in the x-direction for an object in projectile motion

-9.81 m/s²

what is the value of acceleration in the y-direction for an object in projectile motion

• no drag force/motion

• no buoyancy force

• no aerodynamic force

• object acts as a particle

• mass of object is constant

what are the assumptions made for an object in projectile motion