AP Physics 1 · Unit 1
Kinematics Definition: every key term you need
15 flashcard terms for AP Physics 1 Unit 1, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards — free, no account needed.
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Kinematics Definition Study of motion without regard to forces; describes position, velocity, acceleration using equations and graphs.
Displacement vs Distance Displacement: change in position, vector (has direction). Distance: total path length, scalar. Same magnitude if straight path.
Velocity vs Speed Velocity: displacement/time, vector. Speed: distance/time, scalar. Average velocity = Δx/Δt; instantaneous velocity = limit of average.
Acceleration Rate of change of velocity; vector quantity. a = Δv/Δt. Positive = speeding up in positive direction or slowing down in negative direction.
Constant Acceleration Acceleration doesn't change over time; enables use of kinematic equations: v=v₀+at, x=v₀t+½at², v²=v₀²+2aΔx.
Kinematic Equations (4 total) v=v₀+at, x=v₀t+½at², v²=v₀²+2ax, x=½(v₀+v)t. Choose based on which variable is missing.
Position-Time Graphs Slope = velocity. Straight line = constant velocity. Curved line = acceleration. Steeper = faster. Downward = negative velocity.
Velocity-Time Graphs Slope = acceleration. Area under curve = displacement. Horizontal line = constant velocity (zero acceleration).
Acceleration-Time Graphs Area under curve = change in velocity. Horizontal line = constant acceleration. Above x-axis = speeding up (same direction as v).
Free Fall Motion under gravity alone; acceleration = -9.8 m/s² (downward). v increases downward, displacement increases each second.
Projectile Motion Two-dimensional motion with constant horizontal velocity and vertical acceleration due to gravity.
Horizontal & Vertical Components Analyze separately: x-direction (no acceleration, constant velocity); y-direction (constant acceleration = g).
Projectile Range Horizontal distance traveled. Formula: R = v₀²sin(2θ)/g. Maximum range at 45° launch angle.
Relative Velocity Velocity of object A relative to object B = velocity of A - velocity of B. Add velocities as vectors.
Unit 1 Summary Kinematics equations describe motion; displacement, velocity, acceleration are vectors. Constant acceleration enables algebraic solutions. Projectile motion combines constant horizontal velocity with vertical acceleration.
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