\..........LINEAR MOTION.............................

The study of physics involves the relationship between matter and energy.  It is helpful in many cases to study the motion of the object to show exactly the two are related.  Simple linear motion allows it to view simple examples of this.

1.  Describing Motion

2.  A Mathematical Model of Motion

3.  Vectors

4.  Sample problems and helpful links

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DESCRIBING MOTION


There are many useful ways to describe motion.  One way to describe motion is with the use of particle diagrams.  Another way is by stating the type of motion occuring during each segment either through statements or quantities.  Another way to show motion is through the use of position-time or velocity-time graphs.

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A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF MOTION


Through the use of the definitions of acceleration and velocity, we may calculate any aspect of the object's motion -- distance traveled, final or initial velocity, acceleration, or time traveled.  You may manipulate formulas to isolate the desired quantity.  We most commonly use the following table for objects under acceleration or deceleration:
 
 
STARTING FROM REST: STARTING WITH AN INITIAL VELOCITY:
 v (fin) = a * t  
 		  v (fin) = v (ini) + a * t
  
 d =  1/2 * a * t * t  
 		  d = v (ini) * t + 1/2 * a *  t * t
 v (fin) = the square root of ( 2*a*d) v (fin) = the square root of ( v (ini)* v (ini) + 2*a*d)  
 
For all constant velocity equations, we simply use d = v * t.

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VECTORS


Vectors require both a size and a direction.  Sometimes these directions may simply be given by a positive or a negative sign while other times an angle with the North/East/West/ or South axis is required.

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SAMPLE PHYSICS PROBLEMS

TOPIC SAMPLE PROBLEMS HELPFUL LINKS
Describing Motion Chapter 3:  Page 60-1 questions 1-10, 17-21 PHYSICS LAWS AND CARTOONS
Mathematical model of motion Chapter 5: Pages 107-112, questions 1-10, 15-21, 27-31, 33-35, 39-41, 44-53, and 59.  MR.BRUMLEY'S MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Vectors Chapter 4:  Page 77-9, questions 1-14, 19-23, 26-32
Review problems WORKSHEET -- CHAPTER 5
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