This unit focuses on the kinematic behavior of a particle moving at constant velocity. Velocity is defined as the slope of a position-time graph. The area under a velocity-time graph is defined as displacement. This unit concentrates on a particle moving with uniform acceleration. Kinematic formulas are derived from interpretation of graphs.
Students learn to deduce motions from forces and to infer forces from the motion of objects.
In this unit, students apply the models developed in the two previous units to projectiles. The focus is on representational tools and various energy transfer mechanisms. This unit introduces the central force particle model as applied to objects in uniform circular motion. This unit focuses on conservation of linear momentum in simple collisions.