Motion & Kinematics

Question 1

Define and give characteristics of a Displacement - time graph

Answer 1

A graph which shows the displacement of a moving object over time
The gradient/slope is equal to the velocity of the object
The area under an acceleration-time graph is the change in velocity.

Mentioned in Slide 3 Kinematics & Slides 37, Motion

Question 2

Define and give characteristics of a Velocity - time graph

Answer 2

A graph which shows how the velocity changes over time.
This graph also shows direction, where it can have both positive and negative velocity
The gradient/slope is equal to the acceleration of the object
The area under a velocity-time graph is the displacement.

Mentioned in Slide 8 Kinematics & Slides 37, 40 Motion

Question 3

Describe the difference between distance and displacement

Answer 3

Distance is simply a measurement of how far apart objects are
Displacement is the distance an object has moved from an original point, with direction

Slides 5 and 6 Motion

Question 4

Describe the difference between Velocity and Speed

Answer 4

Speed is the change in position over time, or how fast an object moves through a distance
Thus, speed is distance divided by time, and is measured in ms^-1
Since distance isnt a vector, speed is neither

Velocity is a measure of how fast an object moves through a displacement
Thus, velocity is displacement divided by time, and is measured in meters per second (ms^-1)
Since displacement is a vector, so is Velocity

Slides 10, 11 Motion

Question 5

Suvat Equations (will be given)

Answer 5

v = u + at
s = ut + (1/2)at2
v2 = u2 + 2as
s = (1/2)(v + u) / t

Slide 3 Motion

Question 6

Define Acceleration

Answer 6

Acceleration is a change in velocity over time. Since velocity is a vector, so is acceleration.

Slide 14 Motion

Question 7

Define Terminal Speed

Answer 7

The maxium speed an objet can reach as it falls through a medium

Slide 42 Motion

Question 8

Define a Projectile

Answer 8

A projectile is an object that has been given an initial velocity by some sort of short-lived force, and then moves through the air under the influence of gravity.

Slide 48 Motion

Question 9

Describe the trajectory of a projectile in the abscense of air (resistance)

Answer 9

The trajectory will always be a parabola

Slide 50 Motion