Motion Graphs and Einstein's Relativity Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on motion graphs (position, velocity, acceleration) and introductory concepts of Einstein's Relativity.

Slope (General Graph Characteristic)

The change in vertical divided by the change in horizontal.

Y-intercept (General Graph Characteristic)

The y value when x is zero.

X-intercept (General Graph Characteristic)

The x value when y is zero.

Area Under Curve (General Graph Characteristic)

The product of horizontal and vertical changes.

Position vs. Time Graph Slope

Change in position divided by change in time, which represents velocity.

Position vs. Time Graph Y-intercept

Represents the initial position.

Position vs. Time Graph X-intercept

Represents the time in which position is zero.

Average Velocity

The slope of the line connecting two points, representing total displacement during total time.

Instantaneous Velocity

The slope of the line at one point in time (the tangent line if curving).

Velocity vs. Time Graph Slope

Change in velocity divided by change in time, which represents acceleration.

Velocity vs. Time Graph Y-intercept

Represents the initial velocity.

Velocity vs. Time Graph X-intercept

Represents the time in which velocity is zero.

Velocity vs. Time Graph Area Under Curve

Represents displacement (area below the x-axis is negative).

Acceleration vs. Time Graph Slope

Change in acceleration divided by change in time, which represents jerk.

Acceleration vs. Time Graph Y-intercept

Represents the initial acceleration.

Acceleration vs. Time Graph X-intercept

Represents the time in which acceleration is zero.

Acceleration vs. Time Graph Area Under Curve

Represents the CHANGE in velocity.

Jerk

The rate of change of acceleration over time, defined as the change in acceleration divided by change in time.

Speed of Light ($c$)

The maximum value for the slope of a position vs. time graph, equal to $3 \times 10^8\,m/s$.

Moving Frame Time Effect (Relativity)

Time within a moving frame of reference slows down, where the time according to an outside observer is $t' = \frac{t}{g}$.

Moving Frame Length Effect (Relativity)

Length of a moving frame of reference decreases, where the length according to an outside observer is $L' = Lg$.

Moving Frame Mass Effect (Relativity)

Mass within a moving frame of reference increases, where the mass according to an outside observer is $m' = \frac{m}{g}$.