Kinematics: Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration (Page 1 notes)

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering displacement, distance, velocity, and acceleration concepts from Page 1 notes.

Displacement

The straight-line vector from an object’s initial position to its final position; its magnitude can be less than the distance traveled.

Distance Traveled

The total length of the path followed; a scalar quantity that is always greater than or equal to the magnitude of displacement.

Displacement vs Distance (relationship)

Displacement is not always equal to the distance traveled; distance is the path length and they are equal only for straight-line, constant-direction motion.

Average Velocity

Change in position over a time interval (Δx/Δt); equals instantaneous velocity only when velocity is constant over the interval.

Instantaneous Velocity

Velocity at a specific moment; the derivative of position with respect to time; may differ from the average velocity over a finite interval.

Constant Velocity

A condition where velocity does not change with time; acceleration is zero.

Acceleration

Rate of change of velocity with time (a = dv/dt); can be zero, constant, or varying.

Zero Velocity with Nonzero Acceleration

Velocity can be zero while acceleration is nonzero; e.g., an object at rest before it starts to move.

Velocity Reversal under Constant Acceleration

Under constant acceleration, velocity can change sign; e.g., a rock thrown upward slows to zero and then reverses direction.

Constant Acceleration

Velocity changes by equal amounts in equal time intervals; v changes linearly with time.

Free Fall (No Air Resistance)

In the absence of friction, acceleration is constant (g downward); velocity increases linearly with time.

Highest Point in Vertical Motion

At the highest point, velocity is zero while acceleration remains downward due to gravity.