AP physics 1 unit 1 - kinematics

coordinate system

System we define to describe position. The origin is the point we label as zero. Also define directions for positive and negative numbers.

position

Location of an object relative to the origin. We often use the symbol x.

center of mass

Position relative to other centers of masses, but not relative to specific points on an object

rotation

When center of mass doesn’t move relative to other centers of masses, but parts of the object

distance

Going from one place to another; how far you travel from a starting point

displacement

Record of changing based on whatever two points you choose. Distance between starting and ending point

speed

How fast something goes. ALWAYS positive

velocity

Speed in a specific direction.

magnitude

How much something changes

speed formula

s = change d/change t

velocity formula

v = change in x/change in t

v average formula

v avg = vf - vi/ tf - ti

acceleration

Change in velocity

acceleration formula

a = change v/ change t

any time an object changes its speed…

It’s accelerating!

does mass impact free fall?

No, when impact of air is negligible, objects fall at the same rate.

projectiles

An object moving through the air that is influenced only by the force of gravity after its initial launch.

scalar

A magnitude only

vector

Has both magnitude and direction

how to add vectors

From head to tail