Key Concepts in One-Dimensional Kinematics

  1. Distance

    • Total distance traveled:
    • SI unit: meter, m

  2. Displacement (Δx)

    • Change in position:
    • Calculated as: Δx=x−x0\Delta x = x - x_0
    • SI unit: meter, m

  3. Average Speed (v_{av})

    • Calculated as:
      vav=dΔtv_{av} = \frac{d}{\Delta t}

  4. Average Velocity (v_{av})

    • Calculated as:
      vav=ΔxΔtv_{av} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}

  5. Acceleration (a)

    • Change in velocity over time:
    • Can be calculated as:
      a=ΔvΔta = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}
    • SI unit: m/s²

  6. Free Fall

    • Acceleration due to gravity:
      g=9.81 m/s2g = 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2
    • Time in the air for an object dropped from height x: