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Physics with Calculus: Motion, Velocity, and Acceleration

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is displacement?

    Displacement is a vector showing change in position, including both magnitude and direction.

  • What is position?

    Position is a scalar indicating where an object is relative to a reference point.

  • How do displacement and position differ?

    Displacement is a vector representing change in position, while position is a scalar representing location relative to a reference.

  • What defines velocity?

    Velocity is the rate of change of displacement; it is a vector quantity.

  • Does an object have velocity if it stays still?

    No, if displacement is not changing, velocity is zero.

  • What is acceleration?

    Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity; it is a vector quantity.

  • Is there acceleration if velocity is constant?

    No, acceleration occurs only when velocity changes.

  • How does speed differ from velocity?

    Speed is a scalar representing magnitude only, while velocity is a vector including direction.

  • What is the formula for velocity from acceleration?

    Velocity is given by \(v = at\), where a is acceleration and t is time.

  • What is the formula for velocity in free fall?

    Velocity in free fall is \(v = gt\), where g = 9.81 m/s².

  • What is constant acceleration on a ramp?

    Acceleration is constant and depends on the slope and friction of the ramp.

  • What is the acceleration of an object in free fall (ignoring air resistance)?

    Acceleration is constant at 9.81 m/s² downward due to gravity.

  • How to calculate distance under constant acceleration from rest?

    Distance is \(d = \frac{1}{2} a t^2\), where a is acceleration and t is time.

  • Why is distance not simply velocity times time under acceleration?

    Because velocity changes during acceleration, so \(d \neq vt\).

  • What does negative velocity indicate?

    Negative velocity means motion in the opposite direction of the defined positive axis, not necessarily slowing down.

  • How do you find net displacement from multiple vectors?

    Sum the individual displacement vectors to get the net displacement.

  • Example: A hiker goes 6 m north, then 2 m south. What is the net displacement?

    Net displacement is 4 m north.

  • What is the difference between net displacement and net position?

    Net displacement is the vector sum of movements; net position is the final location relative to the start.

  • If a sled accelerates at 2 m/s² for 3 s, what is its velocity?

    Velocity is \(v = at = 2 \times 3 = 6\, m/s\).

  • If a rock drops for 4 s, what is its velocity assuming free fall?

    Velocity is \(v = gt = 9.81 \times 4 = 39.24\, m/s\) downward.