Kinematics

Direct Relationship (Proportional)

A relationship where an increase in one variable results in an increase in another variable

Changing Velocity

Occurs when an object’s speed, direction, or both change (non-uniform motion)

Relative Motion

Motion is always measured relative to a reference frame, such as a person walking on a moving bus

Inverse Relationship

A relationship where an increase in one variable result in a decrease in another variable. (y decreases at a decreasing rate)

Motion Diagram

A visual representation of motion, created by taking snapshots of an object at equally space time intervals

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity, caused by changes in speed, direction, or both (quantifies the changing velocity) (units: m/s²)

Velocity

A vector quantity describing an object’s speed and direction, calculated using displacement and time interval (units: m/s)

Constant Velocity

Motion in a straight line at a constant speed

Scalars

Quantities that have magnitude only, such as distance or speed

Particle Model

A simplification that represents an object as a single point in space

Vectors

Quantities that have both magnitude and direction, such as displacement or velocity

Time Interval

Duration of an event, measured as the difference between the final and initial times

Displacement

The straight line distance and direction between two points showing the change in position for an object, distinct from the total path length travelled (unit: m)

Distance

The magnitude of the change in position for an object between two times (unit: m)