AP Physics I - Topic #1 KInematics (1D and 2D) Learning Objectives

AP Physics I Quiz #1

Scalar Quantity

A quantity described by magnitude only.

Vector Quantity

A quantity described by both magnitude and direction.

Vector Representation

Vectors can be visually modeled as arrows with direction and length proportional to magnitude.

Scalar Examples

Distance and speed are examples of scalar quantities.

Vector Examples

Position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration are examples of vector quantities.

Vector Notation

Vectors are notated with an arrow above the symbol for that quantity.

One-Dimensional Vector Components

In one dimension, the sign of the component describes the direction.

Vector Sum

Opposite directions in a one-dimensional coordinate system are denoted by opposite signs.

Displacement

The change in an object’s position, calculated as Δx = xf – x0.

Average Velocity

The displacement of an object divided by the time interval, vavg = Δx / Δt.

Average Acceleration

The change in velocity divided by the time interval, aavg = Δv / Δt.

Object Acceleration

An object is accelerating if the magnitude and/or direction of its velocity changes.

Instantaneous Values

Average values over a small time interval approximate instantaneous velocity and acceleration.

Motion Representation

Motion can be represented by diagrams, graphs, equations, and narrative descriptions.

Kinematic Equations

Three kinematic equations describe instantaneous linear motion in one dimension.

Gravity Acceleration

Near Earth's surface, vertical acceleration due to gravity is approximately 10 m/s��.

Graph Relationships

Graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration can illustrate relationships between these quantities.

Instantaneous Velocity

The rate of change of position, equal to the slope of a tangent line on a position-time graph.

Instantaneous Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity, equal to the slope of a tangent line on a velocity-time graph.

Displacement Area

The displacement during a time interval equals the area under the velocity-time graph.

Velocity Change Area

The change in velocity during a time interval equals the area under the acceleration-time graph.

Reference Frame

The choice of reference frame affects the direction and magnitude of measured quantities.

Inertial Reference Frames

Measurements can be converted between different inertial reference frames.

Observed Velocity

The observed velocity of an object combines the object's velocity and the observer's reference frame velocity.

Vector Addition

Combining motion involves the addition or subtraction of vectors.

Acceleration Consistency

The acceleration of any object is the same across all inertial reference frames.

Perpendicular Components

Vectors can be modeled as the resultant of two perpendicular components.

Vector Resolution

Vectors can be resolved into components using a chosen coordinate system.

Trigonometric Functions

Vectors can be resolved into components using trigonometric relationships.

Two-Dimensional Motion

Motion in two dimensions can be analyzed using one-dimensional kinematic relationships.

Projectile Motion

A special case of two-dimensional motion with zero acceleration in one dimension and constant acceleration in the second dimension.