IBDP Physics - A. Space, Time & Motion

Distance

Distance

How far traveled in any direction measured in meters (m)

Speed

How fast traveled in any direction measured in meters per second (ms^-1)

Instantaneous speed

The speed at a specific distance measured in meters per second (ms^-1)

Average speed

The speed over a total distance measured in meters per second (ms^-1)

Displacement

Distance in a specific direction measured in meters (m)

Velocity

Speed in a specific direction measured in meters per second (ms^-1)

Acceleration

Change in speed over time measured in meters per second squared (ms^-2)

Vectors

Measurements with magnitude and direction

Scalars

Measurements with only magnitude

Equations of Uniform Motion (SUVAT)

Set of kinematic equations describing motion with constant acceleration

Projectile Motion

Motion involving two components - vertical and horizontal

Contact Forces

Forces acting between objects physically touching

Non-Contact Forces

Forces acting at a distance without physical contact

Hooke’s Law

Extension of material is proportional to applied force

Stoke’s Law

Frictional force between an object and a fluid

Archimedes Principle

Buoyancy force experienced by a body in a fluid

Conservation of Linear Momentum

Total linear momentum before = total linear momentum after a collision

Impulse and Momentum

Impulse is change in momentum of a system

Force and Momentum

Resultant force is the rate of change of momentum

Collisions and Explosions

Momentum is conserved, kinetic energy may not be

Angular Velocity

Speed of an object moving in a circle

Centripetal Force

Force required to keep a body in uniform circular motion

Centripetal Acceleration

Acceleration towards the center of a circle when in motion