Constant Acceleration & Free Fall — Quick Reference

Key concepts

• Constant acceleration: instantaneous equals average.

• Average acceleration: velocity change over time.

Kinematics Equations (constant acceleration)

• Four equations relate displacement, velocities, acceleration, and time.

• All involve initial velocity; two equations may be needed for two unknowns.

Problem-solving guidance

• Identify knowns and unknowns.

• Select appropriate equations; two might be needed if initial velocity is unknown.

Graphical interpretation (one-dimensional motion)

• Acceleration–time (a-t): horizontal line.

• Velocity–time (v-t): straight line (slope = acceleration, intercept = initial velocity).

• Position–time (x-t): parabola (slope = velocity).

Free fall (gravity-only motion)

• Motion under gravity, neglecting air resistance.

• Gravity magnitude: approximately 9.8\ \mathrm{m/s^2}.

• If positive is upward, gravitational acceleration is downward.

Important conventions and notes

• Vertical coordinates: positive up means gravity accelerates negatively.

• Ensure consistent initial quantities and signs.

End of video takeaways

• Kinematics equations describe constant acceleration.

• Use graphical intuition for problem-solving.

• Free fall is a specific constant acceleration case.