AP Physics Review Kinematics Calculations

Front

What is Kinematics?

Back

Kinematics is the branch of physics that describes the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion.

Front

Define velocity.

Back

Velocity is the speed of an object in a specific direction, expressed in meters per second (m/s).

Front

What is acceleration?

Back

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object, measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).

Front

How do you calculate final velocity with constant acceleration?

Back

Final velocity (v) can be calculated using the formula: v = u + at, where u is the initial velocity, a is acceleration, and t is time.

Front

What is the formula for distance traveled under constant acceleration?

Back

Distance (s) can be calculated using the formula: s = ut + 0.5at², where u is initial velocity, a is acceleration, and t is time.

Front

What does a negative acceleration indicate?

Back

A negative acceleration indicates that an object is slowing down or decelerating.

Front

How do you determine the time taken for an object to accelerate?

Back

Time (t) can be calculated using the formula: t = (v - u) / a, where v is final velocity, u is initial velocity, and a is acceleration.

Front

What is the significance of the area under a velocity-time graph?

Back

The area under a velocity-time graph represents the distance traveled by the object.

Front

How do you calculate the distance traveled when an object comes to a stop?

Back

Distance can be calculated using the formula: s = (u²) / (2a), where u is initial velocity and a is the deceleration.

Front

What is free fall?

Back

Free fall is the motion of an object under the influence of gravitational force only, with an acceleration of approximately 9.81 m/s² downwards.