Kinematics Notes and Flashcards

Distance

The total length that an object in motion covers.

Displacement

A vector quantity indicating the change in position an object moves in a particular direction.

Average Speed

The distance covered per unit time.

Average Velocity

The displacement divided by the time interval.

Slope of a position-time graph

Indicates the velocity (or speed) of the object.

Slope of a velocity-time graph

Indicates acceleration.

Acceleration

Occurs whenever there is a change of speed or direction of motion.

Acceleration direction vs. motion direction

The direction of acceleration is not necessarily the same as the direction of the object's motion.

Acceleration and velocity relationship

If parallel, the object speeds up; if antiparallel, it slows down; if at right angles, it moves at constant speed in a circular path.

Parabolas on position-time graphs

Indicate non-zero slope straight lines on velocity-time graphs, leading to zero slope (horizontal) lines on acceleration-time graphs.

Area under a velocity-time graph

Represents displacement (change in position).

Area under an acceleration-time graph

Represents change in velocity.

Free fall problems

Can be solved using 'g' as 9.8 m/s², with the sign of 'g' as negative if up is chosen as positive.

Projectile motion horizontal and vertical components

Horizontal and vertical components are independent.

Constant horizontal velocity

The horizontal component of velocity remains constant in projectile motion.

Vertical component acceleration

The vertical component has constant acceleration 'g'.

Max height velocity

Only the vertical component of velocity at maximum height is zero.

Falling object terminal velocity

As it approaches terminal velocity, speed increases and acceleration decreases.

Uniform Circular Motion speed and direction

Speed is constant, but velocity is changing; direction is tangent to the path.

Centripetal acceleration

Given by the formula ac = vt²/r, directed toward the center.

Acceleration down a ramp

Object accelerates parallel to the ramp with a// = g sin(θ).