Kinematics, Free Fall, and Graph Interpretation

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering Kinematics, Free Fall, and Graph Interpretation based on Notes #18.

Velocity (from Position vs. Time Graph)

The slope of a position vs. time graph.

Displacement (from Velocity vs. Time Graph)

The area below the velocity vs. time graph during a specified time interval.

Speed

A scalar quantity defined as the absolute value of velocity.

Acceleration (from Velocity vs. Time Graph)

The slope of a velocity vs. time graph, calculated by the formula $a = \frac{\Delta v}{t}$.

Horizontal Line on a Position vs. Time Graph

Indicates that the object is stationary or at rest (velocity is $0\,\text{m/s}$).

Horizontal Line on a Velocity vs. Time Graph

Indicates that the object is traveling at a constant velocity with zero acceleration ($a = 0\,\text{m/s}^2$).

Distance

A scalar quantity describing the total length of the path traveled during an object's motion.

Displacement

A vector quantity describing the overall change in an object's position.

Scalar Quantity

A quantity that has magnitude only and no direction.

Vector Quantity

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Velocity at the Top of a Parabola in Free Fall

The vertical velocity of an object at the highest point of its trajectory, which equals $0\,\text{m/s}$.

Acceleration at the Top of a Parabola in Free Fall

The constant downward acceleration due to gravity acting on the object throughout its flight.

Reversing Direction (Velocity vs. Time Graph)

The point in time where the graph crosses the time axis from positive to negative (or vice versa), which occurs at about $9.4\,\text{s}$ in Part III.

Total Trip Displacement (Part III Graph)

The total area under the velocity vs. time graph from $0$ to $14\,\text{s}$, equaling $11.5\,\text{m}$.

Total Trip Displacement (Part IV Graph)

The net change in position from $0$ to $10\,\text{s}$ on the position vs. time graph, equaling $-3\,\text{m}$.