Sergio Estrada Riverside High School Kinematics Sergio Estrada Riverside High School

Scalar vs. Vector Scalar just have a magnitude (fancy word for number). NO direction. Does not have negative values 70 lb 60 mph 100 km/hr Vectors have magnitude with direction. Can be negative to denote direction. 100 m/s south 50 N left -50 m/s2

Displacement Displacement is how far an object has moved. Displacement is the shortest distance from the objects starting point to its end point. The path taken is not important. Distance travelled is the total distance an object travels. Distance travelled can be different from the displacement. Distance travelled takes into account the whole path taken.

Displacement graphed

Velocity Velocity is the change in position of an object over a period of time. It is denoted by units of distance/unit of time. Velocity is a vector so it can be negative or positive. Negative velocity tells you you are going in the opposite direction at a certain speed. Slope of position graph is the velocity at that point Area under velocity curve gives you the displacement Speed is the magnitude (fancy word for number and important to know) of how fast an object is moving without taking into account direction.

Velocity Graphed

Acceleration Acceleration is the change in position of an object over a period of time. It is denoted by units of distance/unit of time. Acceleration is a vector so it can be negative or positive. Negative acceleration tells you the acceleration is toward the left. Slope of velocity graph is the acceleration at that point Area under acceleration curve gives you the velocity

Velocity and Acceleration Relationships + Speeding up - Slowing down

How to solve kinematic problems

Guess method Given. Write down what values you are given Unknown. Identify what is unknown and what you are looking for Equation. Find what equation you will be using Substitution. Substitute given values into equation you have been given. Solve. Solve for unknown values

The Big Five