TOPIC 2: KINEMATICS

Question 1

[Definition] Displacement

Answer 1

The straight line distance from the start to the finish point in that direction

Question 2

[Definition] Distance

Answer 2

The total length of the actual path travelled between the start and finish points

Question 3

[Definition] Velocity

Answer 3

Rate of change of displacement

Question 4

[Definition] Speed

Answer 4

Rate of change of distance

Question 5

[Definition] Acceleration

Answer 5

Rate of change of velocity

Question 6

Motion Graphs of a bouncing ball

Answer 6

h/t : semi circle shape
v/t: triangle shape
a/t: constant with sharp spikes

Question 7

4 Main Kinetic Equations

Answer 7

a = (v-u) / t
s = 1/2 (v+u) t
s = ut + 1/2 at²
v² = u² + 2as

*ONLY for motion in a straight line with constant acceleration

Question 8

2 Conditions for the equations of motion to be valid

Answer 8

1. Motion must be linear / in a straight line
2. Acceleration must be constant

Question 9

Things to take note in kinematics questions / answers

Answer 9

1. Draw diagram for clearer thoughts
2. Step-by-step
3. MUST HAVE DIRECTION for velocity and displacement !!!
4. DON’T keep saying positive or negative direction, just say where it’s moving towards e.g. up slope, down slope etc

Question 10

Determining direction of travel from graph

Answer 10

Displacement-time graph:
Direction of line determine direction of travel
* E.g. Line going upwards: +ve ; Line going downwards: -ve

Velocity-time graph:
Value of y determine direction of travel
* E.g. Above x-axis: +ve ; Below x-axis: -ve