Physics II Kinematics and Motion Graphing Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering velocity, acceleration, motion graphing, tangent and secant lines, area under graphs, and skydiving motion stages based on Physics II lecture notes.

Average Velocity ($V_{avg}$)

The change in displacement over time calculated using the slope of a secant line connecting two points on a distance versus time ($d$ vs. $t$) graph.

Instantaneous Velocity ($V_{inst}$)

The velocity of an object at a specific moment in time, determined by calculating the slope of a tangent line touching a single point on a distance versus time ($d$ vs. $t$) graph.

Tangent Line

A straight line that touches a curve at only one point, used on a distance versus time graph to find instantaneous velocity ($V_{inst}$).

Secant Line

A line connecting two distinct points on a curve, used on a distance versus time graph to calculate average velocity ($V_{avg}$).

Displacement

The shortest distance or path from point A to point B, describing an object's position relative to where it started.

Distance

The total path length travelled to get from point A to point B.

Slope Formula

The measure of steepness of a line calculated as $M = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{\neq y}{\neq x}$.

Area under a Velocity vs. Time Graph

The geometric area beneath a velocity versus time curve ($A = l \times w$ or $A = \frac{1}{2} \times b \times h$) which represents the total displacement ($\neq d$) with unit calculation $m/s \times s = m$.

Area under an Acceleration vs. Time Graph

The geometric area beneath an acceleration versus time curve which represents the change in velocity ($ eq v$) with unit calculation $m/s^2 \times s = m/s$.

Slope of a Velocity vs. Time Graph

The rate of change calculated from a velocity versus time graph, which provides the acceleration of the object.

De-acceleration

Negative acceleration ($-$) describing motion where an object slows down or accelerates in the negative direction.

Terminal Velocity

The constant speed reached by a falling body when air resistance prevents further acceleration.

Skydiving Motion Stages

The six sequential stages of motion when jumping out of a helicopter: 1. Standing ($0$ velocity), 2. Falling/jumping ($9.81$ or $9.8\neq m/s^2$ acceleration), 3. Terminal velocity, 4. Negative acceleration (pull parachute), 5. Slower terminal velocity, and 6. Stop upon reaching ground.

Undefined Slope

A vertical line on a distance versus time graph that represents an impossible physical motion scenario.

Graph Without Values

A graph displayed without specific numerical values along its axes, rendering it meaningless.