Unit 1: Kinematics Vocab

Welcome to AP Physics, Kinematics how are we feeling?

• I'm in a state of rest, not moving an inch!
• I'm feeling a bit 'displaced' but ready to 'accelerate' into learning!
• I'm feeling like a constant speed, just cruising along!
• I'm feeling like a projectile, just flying through!

A line on a graph showing the general direction that a group of points seem to follow.

• Best-Fit Line

• Data point
• Regression line
• Scatter plot

---- is calculated by dividing the vertical change, which is called the rise, by the horizontal change, which is called the run, between two different points on the line.

• gradient
• coordinate
• intercept
• slope

Where the line touches (or intercepts) the y-axis (the numbered line going straight up).

• The slope of the line.
• The x-intercept of the line.
• The point where the line starts.
• The y-intercept of the line.

1. What is the slope of the position vs. time graph? What is the significance of this value?

• The slope indicates the acceleration of the object.
• The slope represents the velocity of the object.
• The slope represents the force acting on the object.
• The slope shows the distance traveled over time.

1. How would the position vs. time graph be different if the cart had gone faster or slower?

• The graph will show a constant slope regardless of speed.
• The graph will always be a straight line, regardless of speed.
• The slope of the graph will be steeper for faster speeds and less steep for slower speeds.
• Faster speeds will result in a horizontal line on the graph.

1. What would the shape of your graph be if you were to plot speed vs time?

• The graph will form a circle representing speed fluctuations.
• The shape of the graph can be a horizontal line, straight line, or curve depending on the speed behavior.
• The graph will only be a vertical line indicating constant speed.
• The graph will always be a straight line regardless of speed changes.

To describe the motion of an object, you must first be able to describe its ----- (x); where it is at any particular time.

• speed
• mass
• position

• direction

You define position relative to a ------ often referred to as the origin.

• reference frame
• coordinate system
• reference point
• starting point

----- is a quantity that measures the length between objects or points without regard for direction.

• Distance
• Weight
• Speed
• Volume