Unit 1: Kinematics

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

What is distance?

Distance is the total length of the path traveled by an object. It is a scalar quantity, meaning it has only magnitude and no direction.

What is displacement?

Displacement is the change in position of an object from its initial position to its final position. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

What is the main difference between distance and displacement?

The main difference between distance and displacement is that distance is the total length of the path traveled, while displacement is the change in position of an object.

What is an example of a scalar quantity?

Mass, temperature, time, speed, distance, energy, and power are all examples of scalar quantities.

What is an example of a vector quantity?

Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum are all examples of vector quantities.

How are scalar quantities represented?

Scalar quantities are represented by a single number and are usually measured in units such as kilograms, seconds, meters, and joules.

How are vector quantities represented?

Vector quantities are represented by a vector, which is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

What is the equation for speed?

S \= D/t, where S is speed, D is distance, and t is time.

What is the equation for velocity?

V \= x/t, where V is velocity, x is displacement, and t is time.

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed is a scalar quantity that refers to how fast an object is moving, while velocity is a vector quantity that refers to the rate at which an object changes its position.

What is acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is a vector quantity, which means it has both magnitude and direction.

What is the formula for acceleration?

a \= (v_f - v_i) / t, where a is acceleration, v_f is final velocity, v_i is initial velocity, and t is time.

What is the SI unit of acceleration?

The SI unit of acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s^2).

What is uniform acceleration?

Uniform acceleration is when an object's acceleration is constant over time. This means that the object's velocity changes by the same amount in each unit of time.

What is non-uniform acceleration?

Non-uniform acceleration is when an object's acceleration changes over time. This means that the object's velocity changes by different amounts in each unit of time.

What is free fall?

Free fall is a special case of uniform acceleration where an object is falling under the influence of gravity.

What is the formula for free fall?

d \= (1/2)gt^2, where d is the distance fallen, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and t is time.

What is uniformly accelerated motion?

Uniformly accelerated motion is a type of motion where the acceleration of an object remains constant.

What are the BIG FIVE?

The BIG FIVE are a set of five equations used to solve problems involving uniformly accelerated motion.

How can you determine the direction an object is moving in a position vs. time graph?

To determine which way an object is moving