Module 1: Kinematics Notes

Sections

1. 1A Describing motion: scalars and vectors Mastered

   Scalars and vectors, frames of reference, position, distance and displacement, speed and velocity, average speed and average velocity, with sign conventions for motion in a straight line.

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2. 1B Average and instantaneous velocity Mastered

   Average velocity as the gradient of a chord on a position-time graph, instantaneous velocity as the gradient of a tangent, the limit as the time interval shrinks, and point-to-point speed cameras.

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3. 1C Investigating motion with technology Mastered

   The Module 1 motion practical: measuring velocity and acceleration with light gates, motion sensors, video analysis and phone apps, processing data into graphs, and evaluating validity, reliability and accuracy.

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4. 1D Acceleration and the equations of motion Mastered

   Average and instantaneous acceleration, deriving v = u + at, s = ut + ½at² and v² = u² + 2as from a velocity-time graph, choosing the right equation, two-object catch-up problems, and vertical motion under gravity.

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5. 1E Analysing motion graphs Mastered

   Moving between position-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs using gradients and areas, distance versus displacement from a velocity-time graph, and interpreting the shapes of graphs.

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6. 1F Vectors in two dimensions Mastered

   Adding vectors head to tail and by components, resolving a vector into perpendicular components, bearings, Pythagoras and trigonometry, subtracting vectors, and displacement on a horizontal plane.

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7. 1G Changing velocity on a plane Mastered

   Displacement and velocity for motion on a horizontal plane, finding change in velocity by vector subtraction when the direction changes, average acceleration in two dimensions, and why turning at constant speed is acceleration.

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8. 1H Relative motion Mastered

   Relative velocity in one dimension for overtaking and approaching cars, and in two dimensions for a boat crossing a flowing river and an aeroplane in a crosswind, using vector addition and subtraction with frames of reference.

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9. 1I Kinematics review Mastered

   Module 1 review: summary of the key ideas and equations, how the topics connect, a problem-solving method, and a mixed HSC-style test on motion in a straight line and motion on a plane.

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