Average Velocity
The average velocity is rate at which the displacement occurs.
▪ The x indicates motion along the x-axis.
The dimensions are length / time [L/T]
The SI units are m/s
Is also the slope of the line in the position – time graph
Section 2.1
Average Speed
Speed is a scalar quantity.
▪ Has the same units as velocity
▪ Defined as total distance / total time:
The speed has no direction and is always expressed as a positive number.
Neither average velocity nor average speed gives details about the trip
described.
Section 2.1
A. Determine the
displacement of the particle
in the time intervals t = 0 to
t =1 s and t =1 s to t=3 s.
B. Calculate the average
velocity during these two
time intervals.
Average Speed and Average Velocity
The average speed is not the magnitude of the average velocity.
▪ For example, a runner ends at her starting point.
▪ Her displacement is zero.
▪ Therefore, her velocity is zero.
▪ However, the distance traveled is not zero, so the speed is not zero.
Section 2.1
Instantaneous Velocity
The limit of the average velocity as the time interval becomes infinitesimally
short, or as the time interval approaches zero.
The instantaneous velocity indicates what is happening at every point of time.
The general equation for instantaneous velocity is:
The instantaneous velocity can be positive, negative, or zero.
Section 2.2
Instantaneous Velocity, graph
The instantaneous velocity is the slope
of the line tangent to the x vs. t curve.
▪ This would be the green line.
The light blue lines show that as Δt gets
smaller, they approach the green line.
Section 2.2
A Note About Slopes
The slope of a graph of physical data represents the ratio of change in the
quantity represented on the vertical axis to the change in the quantity
represented by the horizontal axis.
The slope has units
▪ Unless both axes have the same units
Section 2.2
Instantaneous Speed
The instantaneous speed is the magnitude of the instantaneous velocity.
The instantaneous speed has no direction associated with it.
Note:
“Velocity” and “speed” will indicate instantaneous values.
Average will be used when the average velocity or average speed is indicated.
Section 2.2
Analysis Models
Analysis models are an important technique in the solution to problems.
An analysis model is a description of:
▪ The behavior of some physical entity, or
▪ The interaction between the entity and the environment.
Try to identify the fundamental details of the problem and attempt to recognize
which of the types of problems you have already solved could be used as a
model for the new problem.
Section 2.3
Analysis Models, cont
Based on four simplification models
▪ Particle model
▪ System model
▪ Rigid object
▪ Wave
Problem approach
▪ Identify the analysis model that is appropriate for the problem.
▪ The model tells you which equation to use for the mathematical
representation.
Section 2.3
Model: A Particle Under Constant Velocity
Constant velocity indicates the instantaneous velocity at any instant during a
time interval is the same as the average velocity during that time interval.
▪ vx = vx, avg
▪ The mathematical representation of this situation is the equation.
▪ Common practice is to let ti = 0 and the equation becomes: xf = xi + vx t
(for constant vx)
Section 2.3
Particle Under Constant Velocity, Graph
The graph represents the motion of a
particle under constant velocity.
The slope of the graph is the value of
the constant velocity.
The y-intercept is xi.
Section 2.3
Model: A Particle Under Constant Speed
A particle under constant velocity moves with a constant speed along a straight
line.
A particle can also move with a constant speed along a curved path.
This can be represented with a model of a particle under constant speed.
The primary equation is the same as for average speed, with the average speed
replaced by the constant speed.
Physlets: http://physics.bu.edu/~duffy/classroom.html
Section 2.3
Average Acceleration
Acceleration is the rate of change of the velocity.
Dimensions are L/T2
SI units are m/s²
In one dimension, positive and negative can be used to indicate direction.
Section 2.4
Instantaneous Acceleration
The instantaneous acceleration is the limit of the average acceleration as Δt
approaches 0.
The term acceleration will mean instantaneous acceleration.
▪ If average acceleration is wanted, the word average will be included.
Section 2.4
Instantaneous Acceleration – graph
The slope of the velocity-time graph is
the acceleration.
The green line represents the
instantaneous acceleration.
The blue line is the average
acceleration.
Section 2.4
Graphical Comparison
Given the displacement-time graph (a)
The velocity-time graph is found by
measuring the slope of the
position-time graph at every instant.
The acceleration-time graph is found by
measuring the slope of the velocity-time
graph at every instant.
Section 2.4
Acceleration and Velocity, Directions
When an object’s velocity and acceleration are in the same direction, the object
is speeding up.
When an object’s velocity and acceleration are in the opposite direction, the
object is slowing down.
Section 2.4
