Physics Class Notes: Basics of Motion (Detailed)
1. Introduction to Motion
- Motion is a change in position of an object over time.
- Described in terms of displacement, distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
2. Distance and Displacement
- Distance: Total path covered regardless of direction.
- Displacement: Shortest straight-line path between two points; includes direction.
3. Speed and Velocity
- Speed = Distance / Time (scalar quantity)
- Velocity = Displacement / Time (vector quantity; has direction)
- Example: A car traveling 60 km/h east has a velocity of 60 km/h east.
4. Acceleration
- Acceleration = (Final Velocity - Initial Velocity) / Time
- Positive acceleration: speeding up; negative acceleration (deceleration): slowing down.
5. Newton's Laws of Motion
- First Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or moves in a straight line unless acted upon by an
external force.
- Example: Seatbelt use in cars.
- Second Law: F = ma (Force = Mass × Acceleration)
- Example: Pushing a shopping cart; more mass needs more force.
- Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
- Example: Rocket propulsion.
6. Equations of Motion
- v = u + at
- s = ut + 1/2at²
- v² = u² + 2as
where:
u = initial velocity, v = final velocity, a = acceleration, s = displacement, t = time.
7. Graphical Representation
- Distance-Time Graphs: Slope = Speed.
- Velocity-Time Graphs: Slope = Acceleration.
8. Real-World Applications
- Roller coasters, car crashes, sports (soccer ball kicks).
9. Practice Problem
- A cyclist accelerates from 5 m/s to 15 m/s in 4 seconds. Find the acceleration.
- a = (15 - 5)/4 = 2.5 m/s².
