ODK - Introduction to One Dimensional Kinematics

One Dimensional Kinematics

Introduction

This module will introduce one dimensional kinematics. You will first learn the definitions of displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Then we will derive the 4 kinematic equations and use them to solve motion problems in the limited case of constant acceleration. Those motion problems will first start with one object and then expand to cases involving two objects. Finally we will then expand our motion equation so that we can solve for variable acceleration that is a specified function of velocity and time.

Essential Questions

1. Given a graph of one of the kinematic quantities as a function of time, in what time interval are the other two positive, negative, or zero and what does the graph of each function look like?
2. Given an expression for one the kinematic quantities as a function of time, what are the other two as a function of time. Also when are these quantities zero, maximum, or minimum?
3. How are the four kinematic equations used to solve for unknown variables in one-dimensional motion?
4. When acceleration is a specified function of velocity and time, what is an appropriate differential equation and how can that equation be used to solve for variables using a given initial value of v?

Key Terms

1. Displacement - The straight line distance from starting to ending points. A vector that requires both magnitude and direction. Measured in meters.
2. Distance - The length of the pathway taken by a moving object. A scalar that requires only a magnitude. Measured in meters.
3. Velocity - The rate of change of displacement. A vector that requires both magnitude and direction. Measured in meters per second.
4. Speed - The rate of change of distance. A scalar that is measured in meters per second.
5. Acceleration - The rate of change of velocity. Can be due to a change in magnitude of the velocity, the direction of the velocity, or both. A vector measured in meters per second squared.

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