All Flashcards
How do you determine velocity from a position vs. time graph?
Calculate the slope of the line at a specific point. Slope = velocity.
How do you determine displacement from a velocity vs. time graph?
Calculate the area under the curve of the velocity vs. time graph.
How do you determine change in velocity from an acceleration vs. time graph?
Calculate the area under the curve of the acceleration vs. time graph.
What is the first step in solving a kinematic equation problem?
Identify the known variables (initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, time, displacement) and the unknown variable you need to find.
What is the second step in solving a kinematic equation problem?
Choose the kinematic equation that includes the known variables and the unknown variable.
Define 'motion diagram'.
A motion diagram shows an object's position at different times, illustrating its movement.
Define 'kinematic equations'.
Equations that describe the motion of an object with constant acceleration, relating displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time.
Define 'acceleration'.
The rate of change of velocity with respect to time.
Define 'displacement'.
The change in position of an object; a vector quantity.
Define 'velocity'.
The rate of change of displacement with respect to time; a vector quantity.
What is the effect of gravity on an object near Earth's surface?
It causes a constant downward acceleration of approximately .
What is the effect of a constant positive acceleration on an object's velocity?
The object's velocity increases linearly with time in the positive direction.
What is the effect of a constant negative acceleration on an object's velocity?
The object's velocity decreases linearly with time, or increases in the negative direction.
What is the effect of a non-zero slope on a position vs. time graph?
It indicates that the object has a non-zero velocity.
What is the effect of a non-zero area under a velocity vs. time graph?
It indicates that the object has a non-zero displacement.