Kinematics Flashcards
Define distance.
How far you travel to get from one point to another. Measured in metres, and it is scalar (it has no direction).
Define displacement.
How far away two points are in a certain direction. Measured in metres, displacement is a vector.
Define speed.
How fast an object is moving. Measured in metres per second, speed is scalar.
Define velocity.
How fast an object is moving in a certain direction. Measured in metres per second, velocity is a vector.
Define acceleration.
How much the velocity changes every second. Measured in metres per second per second. Acceleration is a vector.
What is a positive vector?
The positive vector usually points to the right or points up.
What is a negative vector?
The negative vector usually points to the left or points down.
Why does acceleration due to gravity have a minus sign?
Because the acceleration vector points downwards.
When can you use the kinematic equations?
When the acceleration is constant.
