4. One-Dimensional Kinematics and Free Fall

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Learning Objectives

  • Explain the concepts of position, velocity and acceleration for different kinds of motion. and be able to differentiate and integrate mathematical functions describing them.
  • Be able to represent motion of an object using words, graphs, equations and motion diagrams. Learn to comfortably move between the different representations.
  • Be able to identify and apply appropriate equations that describe motion in a given situation.
  • Be able to apply a consistent methodology to solve problems.
  • Be able to evaluate the reasonableness of an answer to a problem using dimensional analysis and special cases.

Preparation

Course Notes

Notes: One-Dimensional Kinematics (PDF - 2.6MB)

Suggested Textbook Reading (Optional)

Buy at Amazon Chapter 2.1-2.5. Young, Hugh D., Roger A. Freedman, and A. Lewis Ford. Sears and Zemansky's University Physics: with Modern Physics. 12th ed. San Francisco, CA: Addison-Wesley, 2007. ISBN: 9780805321876.

Lecture Video

Video Excerpts

Watch the following excerpts from the Physics I lecture videos:

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Download the complete lectures from this course:

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Learning Activities

Guided Activities

Read through the class slides carefully. They explain all of the concepts from the module.

Slides: One-Dimensional Kinematics and Free Fall (PDF - 2.0MB)

Self-Assessment

Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems. If you are struggling with the Challenge Problems, watch the Homework Help Session videos, which will give you tips on how to tackle problems of this type.

Concept Questions

Concept Questions (PDF)

Solutions (PDF)

Challenge Problems

Challenge Problems (PDF)

Solutions (PDF - 4.0MB)

Problem Solving Help

In the following videos Prof. Walter Lewin explains how to approach the Challenge Problems.

Help Session 1

{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/translational-kinematics/one-dimensional-kinematics-and-free-fall/help-session-1/Plgku-LkyxA.srt'}

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Help Session 2

{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/translational-kinematics/one-dimensional-kinematics-and-free-fall/help-session-2/Or6QtL6ylP0.srt'}

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Help Session 3

{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/translational-kinematics/one-dimensional-kinematics-and-free-fall/help-session-3/ob7J1CK_Mvw.srt'}

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Related Resources

There are countless resources available online to help you learn physics. Try these:

 

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