Physics Honors: Unit 1 - Kinematics

frame of reference
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Terms in this set (32)
frame of reference
a system for specifying the precise location of objects in space and time
Scalar versus Vector
Scalars = pure measurements that have no directions associated with them

Vectors = any measurements with directions associated with them.
distance
a scalar quantity that refers to "how much ground an object has covered" during its motion.
Image: distance
displacement
a vector quantity that refers to "how far out of place an object is"; it is the object's overall change in position.
Image: displacement
displacement equation
Δx = xf - xi
Distance vs. Displacement
displacement is the short cut (straight line) and distance is the long way (go around).
speed
a scalar quantity that refers to "how fast an object is moving."
speed equation
speed = distance/time
Velocity
a vector quantity that refers to "the rate at which an object changes its position."
velocity equation
velocity = displacement / time
Speed versus VelocitySpeed tells us how fast an object moves, and velocity tells us both the speed and the direction that the object moves.average velocitythe total displacement divided by the time interval during which the displacement occurredaverage velocity formulachange in distance/change in timeinstantaneous velocitythe velocity of an object at some instant or at a specific point in the object's pathAccelerationa vector quantity that is defined as the rate at which an object changes its velocityAcceleration equationfinal velocity-initial velocity/timeOn a position versus time graph, the slope is:velocityOn a velocity versus time graph, the slope is:accelerationYou can use the area under a velocity vs. time graph to find:accelerationKinematic Equations for constant accelerationfinal distance = initial distance + (initial velocity)(time) + (1/2)(acceleration)(time^2) final velocity = initial velocity + (acceleration)(time) (final velocity)^2 = (initial velocity)^2 + 2 (acceleration)(final distance - initial distance)acceleration due to gravity9.8 m/s^2free fallthe motion of a falling object when the only force acting on it is gravitygravity on Earth9.8 m/s^2Gravity on the moon1.6 m/s^2Gravity on Jupiter25 m/s^2how long does it take for a ball to go up compared to going down?same amount of time assuming there is 0 air resistancewhat is the velocity at the top when you throw a ball up in the air?v = 0 m/swhat is the acceleration at the top when you throw a ball up in the air?a = 9.8 m/s^2more distance equationsy = 1/2gt^2more velocity equationsy = gtarea under curve =displacementa line best fita smooth line that reflects the general pattern in a graph