Physics: Kinematics and Dynamics Key Concepts for Students

Slope of a distance or displacement vs. time graph

Speed or velocity

Slope of a speed or velocity vs. time graph

Acceleration

Area under a velocity vs. time graph

Distance or displacement

Three ways to accelerate

Speed up, slow down, or change direction

Can a car have constant acceleration and constant velocity?

No, acceleration means velocity is changing

If a car is accelerating, is it changing its speed?

Sometimes, a car can accelerate by changing direction while keeping constant speed

If a car is accelerating, is it changing its velocity?

Yes, acceleration means velocity is changing

Can a car have positive velocity and negative acceleration?

Yes, it's slowing down

Can a car have negative velocity and negative acceleration?

Yes, it's speeding up (moving backward faster)

If a car changes direction at a constant speed, is it accelerating?

Yes, direction is changing so velocity changes

Is the value of "g" constant?

Not exactly; it changes slightly with location (~9.8 m/s² on Earth)

What is meant by a "freely falling" object?

Falling under constant acceleration due to gravity, with no air resistance