Kinematics
Purpose
To use the kinematic equations.
Lesson Outcomes
Identify quantities such as time, distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
Associate physical quantities with their respective units.
Use the kinematic equations for one-dimensional motion.
Apply algebraic techniques to solve equations.
Diagram the described event where possible.
Steps to Complete the Task
Step 1: Read the problem carefully. The problems are at the end of this document.
Step 2: Sketch/diagram the event(s) described in the problems denoting starting and ending points.
Step 3: Identify and list each given quantity (known) with the appropriate symbol (x, v, a, t etc.) and respective unit.
Step 4: Verify that the units are consistent (mks, cgs, British, etc.) and do the necessary unit conversions.
Step 5: Identify and list the unknow(s).
Step 6: Use the appropriate kinematic equation to solve the equation(s) for the unknown(s).
Step 7: State the answer to the question. Be aware that the solution to an equation is not always the answer to the
question.
-For instance, you may solve a quadratic equation with independent variable time (t) and get two unique
solutions. How do you make sense of both times?
-If the question is asking what is the time the object takes to pass a certain altitude on the way down, you
will associate the larger time with the object descending and the smaller time with the object ascending
(since it has to pass a specific point twice for a vertical trajectory).
Step 8: Verify sure that your answer makes sense.
-Time cannot be negative.
- Is the answer realistic (too small or too large)?
Submitting the Assignment
Submit your assignment to Blackboard.
Criteria for Success
1. Complete the given problems in the space provided showing steps 2 – 7 for each problem.
2. Submit the completed problems to Blackboard by the due date listed on the Course Schedule.
