Physics: Key Concepts in Graphs, Vectors, and Scalars

What does the slope represent in a position vs time graph

velocity

Vectors

quantities that have both a magnitude and a direction

Example of vectors are...

velocity, acceleration, displacement,

Scalar

A physical quantity that has magnitude only.

Exmples of scalar

mass (like 5 kg), speed (like 60 km/h), time (like 2 seconds), no direction

Parts of a graph

Title, Axis, axis Labels with units

Graph we wont use

bar, pie

units of acceleration

m/s or m/s^2

steeper slope

greater acceleration and velocity changes at a greater rate

what does the little triangle mean

change

what does slope mean in a velocity vs time graph

acceleration

when to use vf​=vi​+at

Use when you know/need velocity and time

Solves for final velocity or acceleration

when to use Δd=vi​t+1/2at^2

Use when time is known and you want displacement

Solves for displacement or acceleration

vf^2​=vi^2​+2aΔd

Use when time is NOT given

Solves for final velocity or displacement

positive, positive negative, negative

speeding up

positive negative, negative positive

slowing down