Physics Formulas Flashcards

Kinematics

• The formula for acceleration is represented as a = (vf - vi) / t, where vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.
• For constant acceleration or no acceleration, average velocity can be calculated as v = (vi + vf) / 2.

Dynamics

• The force of gravity acting on an object is expressed as Fg = mg, where m is mass and g is acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²).
• The net force acting on an object can be calculated using Fnet = ma, where m is mass and a is acceleration.

Two-Dimensional Motion

• The distance in the horizontal motion can be calculated with d = (vx)(t), where vx is horizontal velocity and t is time.
• Time of flight in a projectile motion can be determined by the formula t = (vi * sinθ) / g, where vi is initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, and g is acceleration due to gravity.

Vertical Motion Components

• The vertical component of the initial velocity is found using Vy = (vi)(sinθ).
• In free fall, the mass of the object does not influence its acceleration.

Free Fall Characteristics

• The relationship between acceleration and falling objects indicates that when there is no velocity, there is no acceleration.
• Objects dropped experience a downward acceleration of +9.81 m/s².

Motion Dynamics

• For objects thrown upwards, the trajectory will eventually lead back down due to gravity.
• Nonzero acceleration results in a curve in the motion path.

Acceleration Types

• Constant nonzero acceleration represents uniform acceleration, indicating a steady increase or decrease of velocity over time.

Projectile Motion Analysis

• Increasing both the launch angle and the initial speed of a projectile will result in greater time of flight.
• A launch angle of 45 degrees maximizes the horizontal distance traveled by a projectile.

Additional Factors in Motion

• The acceleration magnitude due to gravity is given by g = Gm/r², relating gravitational force to mass and distance from the center of the Earth.
• If two balls are thrown from the same height, they will reach the ground simultaneously, assuming air resistance is negligible.

Position and Velocity

• A ball thrown horizontally maintains a horizontal speed while being influenced by gravity vertically, where vi for vertical motion is zero.
• The horizontal velocity can be calculated using Vx = Vi * cosθ, where θ is the launch angle.

Projectile Peak Characteristics

• At the peak of a projectile’s trajectory, its vertical component of velocity equals zero, while horizontal components maintain their velocities.

Graph Interpretation

• The slope of a position-time graph represents the object's velocity, indicating speed and direction of motion.
• The slope is calculated by the change in y (position) divided by the change in x (time).