Physics Kinematics and Free Fall Review

Flashcards covering core kinematics concepts including free fall, position-time graphs, projectile motion, and dimensional analysis.

Free Fall in a Vacuum

The motion of an object falling solely under the influence of gravity, during which its velocity increases continuously while its acceleration remains constant at $g$.

Acceleration of Dropped vs. Thrown Objects

The principle that immediately upon release, both an object dropped from rest and an object thrown downwards experience the exact same acceleration equal to $g$.

Concave-Down Position vs. Time Graph

A graphical representation of motion where the slope ($V_{\text{avg}}$) decreases over time, demonstrating that the object is slowing down and experiencing negative acceleration.

Nonzero Initial Position ($X_i$)

A condition in a position vs. time graph where the object's position at time $t = 0$ does not start at the origin, but begins at a value $X_i \neq 0$.

Projectile Velocity at Maximum Height

The state during angled projectile motion where the vertical velocity component equals zero ($V_y = 0$), but the overall velocity is never zero ($V \neq 0$) because the horizontal component ($V_x \neq 0$) persists.

Dimensional Analysis: $\text{kg/yr}$ to $\text{g/day}$

A conversion process multiplying by $\frac{1000\,\text{g}}{1\,\text{kg}}$ and dividing by $\frac{365\,\text{days}}{1\,\text{yr}}$; converting $3.6 \times 10^2\,\text{kg/yr}$ yields $9.9 \times 10^2\,\text{g/day}$.