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Island Physics

Kinematics

Crossfire off South Shore - BOCA race 2015.  Yacht navigation requires a good understanding of velocity, distance and time.
Home >>  AP Physics I >> Kinematics
Variables and Units >>
Picture
Kinematics is the study of motion.  Specifically, just the mathematical description of the motion without considering what causes the motion.  The latter study is known as dynamics.  The father of kinematics was Galileo Galilei, and this formed the foundations that Isaac Newton built the science of dynamics upon.  At AP level we concern ourselves purely with motion that is undergoing uniform acceleration.  To consider anything further requires the use of calculus, which is not covered in this course. 

We begin by analysing one dimensional motion and formulating the three main equations of motion.  Once the students are comfortable solving problems, we move on to two dimensional motion, specifically projectiles.

The biggest jump from IGCSE to higher level physics (IB, A level or AP) starts here, when students realise that problem solving is no longer a simple matter of choosing an equation, rearranging it and sticking the numbers in to get the answer. The problems need to be planned out carefully and frequently require intermediate steps to tackle them.  The key to this is usually a carefully drawn diagram and an understanding of what is actually happening, i.e. is the object accelerating of decelerating.  This is the beginning of a process that we call 'modelling'.  A valuable skill to have for many careers!
Unit 1 Student Workbook    Updated: Jan 2017
Unit 1 - Kinematics Revision Questions

1.1 - Variables and Units
1.2 - Describing Motion 
1.3 - Equations of Motion
1.4 - Problem Solving
1.5 - Projectiles
  • 10 - 16% exam weighting for Multiple Choice questions
  • 16 - 19 lessons
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  • Physics I
    • Kinematics >
      • Variables and Units
      • Describing Motion
      • Equations of Motion
      • Problem Solving
      • Projectiles
      • Kinematics Animations
    • Dynamics >
      • Forces
      • Static Equilibrium
      • Newton's Laws
      • Friction
      • Advanced Problems
    • Gravitation and Orbits >
      • Circular Motion
      • Vertical Circles
      • Universal Gravitation
      • Orbits
      • Circular Motion Animation
    • Energy >
      • Work
      • Springs
      • PE and KE
      • Conservation of Energy
      • Work-Energy Theorem
    • Linear Momentum >
      • Impulse
      • Conservation of Momentum
      • Types of Collision
      • 2-D Collisions
    • Simple Harmonic Motion >
      • Mass on Spring
      • Pendulums
      • SHM Animations
    • Rotational Mechanics >
      • Torque
      • Rotational Kinematics
      • Rotational Dynamics
      • Angular Momentum
      • Rotational Energy
    • Mechanical Waves >
      • Waves on a String
      • Sound
    • AP-1 Revision
    • AP Physics C (Mechanics)
  • Physics II
    • Fluid Mechanics
    • Thermal Physics
    • Electrostatics
    • Magnetic Fields >
      • EM Induction
    • Interference and Diffraction
    • Optics
    • Modern Physics
    • AP 2 Revision
  • OCEANOGRAPHY
    • The World Ocean >
      • What is Oceanography
      • History
      • Lat and Long
      • Size and Origin
      • Plate Tectonics
    • Seawater >
      • A Salty Sea
      • Measuring Salinity
      • Thermal Properties
      • Density Profiles
      • Drinking Seawater
    • Circulation and Climate >
      • Global Heating
      • Coriolis Effect
      • Surface Currents
      • Vertical Motion
      • Thermohaline Circulation
      • El Nino
      • Carbon Cycle
    • Waves and Tides >
      • Wave Motion
      • Formation of Waves
      • Beaches
      • Tsunamis
      • Tides
    • Observation Systems >
      • Challenges
      • The CTD
      • Moorings
      • Sound Waves
      • Robotics
      • Satellites
    • Weather and Navigation >
      • Weather Systems
      • Weather Forecasting
      • Hurricanes
      • Navigation
      • Life at Sea
    • Oceans and Mankind >
      • Ocean Acidification
      • Pollution
      • Fish Stocks
      • Climate Change
      • Energy Resources
    • Atlantic Explorer Cruise
    • ROVs
  • COLLEGE
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