Kinematics 2.1 Equations of Motion (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key kinematics terms, graphs, SUVAT equations, and projectile motion concepts from the notes.

Distance

Scalar quantity describing the total ground covered; magnitude only.

Displacement

Vector quantity representing the straight-line change in position from start to finish; includes direction.

Speed

Scalar quantity describing distance travelled per unit time.

Velocity

Vector quantity describing the rate of change of displacement; has magnitude and direction.

Acceleration

Rate of change of velocity; measured in m/s^2; vector.

Uniform acceleration

Acceleration that is constant in magnitude and direction.

Scalar quantity

A quantity described by magnitude only, with no direction.

Vector quantity

A quantity described by magnitude and direction.

Velocity–time graph

Graph of velocity against time; gradient equals acceleration; area under the curve equals displacement.

Acceleration–time graph

Graph of acceleration against time; area under the curve equals the change in velocity (Δv).

Displacement–time graph

Graph of displacement against time; gradient represents velocity.

Instantaneous velocity

Velocity at a specific moment, found from the slope (tangent) of a displacement–time graph.

Area under a velocity–time graph

Area under the velocity–time curve equals the displacement travelled during the time interval.

v = u + at

Final velocity equals initial velocity plus acceleration multiplied by time.

s = ut + 1/2 a t^2

Displacement during acceleration equals initial velocity times time plus one-half acceleration times time squared.

v^2 = u^2 + 2 a s

Final velocity squared equals initial velocity squared plus two times acceleration times displacement.

t = (v − u)/a

Time equals the change in velocity divided by acceleration.

g (acceleration due to gravity)

Acceleration of free fall near Earth’s surface; approximately 9.81 m/s^2 downward.

Parabolic trajectory

Projectile motion path; horizontal velocity is constant while vertical velocity changes due to gravity, forming a parabola.

Horizontal velocity component (vx)

Component of velocity in the horizontal direction; often constant in ideal projectile motion.