Getting Started with Kinematics

Once you get through graphing and start to understand the relationships between position, velocity, and acceleration, it is time to work on your first set of physics equations.

There are subtle differences between the different charts, but in the end, the formulas are used to relate displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time.

d=vit +½ at2

vf2 = vi2 + 2ad

vf=vi +at

These three initial formulas are crucial in your journey to solving physics problems. They lay the foundation for your problem-solving strategy and comprehension, which are essential for mastering physics.

Here are a few hints to help you:

1. Have a plan

   1. All of my students follow a simple protocol for solving physics problems

      1. Read the problem

      2. Draw a model

      3. List your knowns and unknowns

      4. Let your knowns and unknowns pick a formula

      5. Pick an equation

      6. Plug & Chug

      7. Solve for reasonability

1. We break each step down in our sessions to help the student develop a consistent system of success.

1.  Know what each label means

   1. a = acceleration

   2. d = distance

   3. t = time

   4. vi = initial (or original) velocity

   5. vf = final velocity

2. Problem-Solving Comprehension

   1. Often, the problem will use words to describe and assign value/meaning to numbers you will use in the formula. Here are some helpful hints:

      1. Anything that starts from rest has a vi = 0 m/s

      2. Anything that comes to a complete stop has a vf = 0 m/s

      3. Anything that slows down has a negative acceleration.

3. Other hints

   1. Time can never be negative

   2. Convert to standard units before attempting any calculations.

      1. My students do so when listing their knows and unknowns.

   3. Check your final answer for reasonability. 

      1. You will make the same mistakes if you try to check your answers by employing the same techniques.

   4. Use the labels (units) for each variable to help you when converting or calculating with formulas.

For more strategies to help you solve physics problems and increase your success as a problem solver, contact Kevin to set up an appointment