Topic 3.1 Motion Flashcards
Displacement
The distance of an object from a point in a specific direction (vector)
Velocity
Rate of change of displacement (vector) ∆s/∆t if constant
Speed
Change in distance traveled per unit time (scalar)
Acceleration
Rate of change of velocity (vector) ∆v/∆t if constant
What is meant by constant/uniform motion
Speed and direction of motion don’t change
What is represented by the gradient of a distance-time graph?
Speed
What is represented by the gradient of a displacement-time graph?
Velocity
What is represented by the gradient of a velocity-time graph?
Acceleration
What is represented by the area under a velocity-time graph?
Change in displacement
What is represented by the area under an acceleration-time graph?
Change in velocity
When can suvat equations be used?
When there is constant acceleration and motion along a straight line.
What is the effect of mass on the acceleration for an object in free-fall?
None
What is the relationship between displacement and time for an object falling freely from rest?
Displacement is proportional to time squared (sαt2)
What is a projectile?
An object acted upon only by the force of gravity
What shape is the path of a projectile?
Parabolic
What is the initial vertical velocity of an object projected horizontally?
Zero
What angle of projection that results in maximum range
45 degrees
Ignoring air resistance what is the acceleration of a projectile?
Always g downwards
How does horizontal velocity vary in projectile motion?
It is constant
If a projectile returns to its starting height…
Initial and final velocities have the same magnitude
What equation used for the horizontal component of projectile motion?
Displacement = Velocity x time (since horizontal velocity is constant)
What aspect links the vertical and horizontal motion of a projectile
Time taken to fall
Why can SUVAT equations can be used for the vertical component of projectile motion
Since the motion is in a single direction with a constant acceleration
What is the vertical velocity at the peak of projectile motion?
Zero
