AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Representing Motion
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 21 cards to help you master important concepts.
Under what condition can the three main kinematic equations be used to describe linear motion?
The three main kinematic equations can be used when an object is experiencing constant acceleration.
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Under what condition can the three main kinematic equations be used to describe linear motion?
The three main kinematic equations can be used when an object is experiencing constant acceleration.
Define instantaneous acceleration.
An object's instantaneous acceleration is the rate of change of its velocity at a specific point in time.
How can you find an object's change in velocity during a time interval from its acceleration vs. time graph?
The change in velocity is equal to the area under the curve of the acceleration vs. time graph for that time interval.
If the slope of a velocity vs. time graph is constant and negative, what does this imply about the object's motion?
This implies the object is undergoing constant negative acceleration.
What is the approximate value and direction of the acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface?
The acceleration due to gravity ($g$) is downward, constant, and has a value of approximately $10 \text{ m/s}^2$.
An object is dropped from rest near Earth's surface. Which kinematic equation would you use to find its position after a certain amount of time?
You would use $x = x_0 + v_{x0} t + \frac{1}{2} a_x t^2$, with $v_{x0}=0$ and $a_x = g \approx 10 \text{ m/s}^2$.
Describe the key features of vertical acceleration for an object in free fall near Earth's surface.
The vertical acceleration is constant, directed downward, and has a magnitude of approximately $g \approx 10 \text{ m/s}^2$.
Define instantaneous velocity.
An object's instantaneous velocity is the rate of change of its position at a specific point in time.
What information does the area under an acceleration vs. time graph provide?
The area under an acceleration vs. time graph represents the object's change in velocity over that time interval.
On a position vs. time graph, what does a straight, non-horizontal line signify?
A straight, non-horizontal line on a position-time graph signifies that the object is moving with a constant, non-zero velocity.
What information does the area under a velocity vs. time graph provide?
The area under a velocity vs. time graph represents the object's displacement over that time interval.
What is the kinematic equation that relates final position to initial position, initial velocity, acceleration, and time?
The equation is $x = x_0 + v_{x0} t + \frac{1}{2} a_x t^2$.
On a velocity vs. time graph, what does a horizontal line above the x-axis signify?
A horizontal line on a velocity-time graph signifies that the object is moving with a constant positive velocity and has zero acceleration.
What are the three primary quantities used to describe an object's motion?
The primary quantities used to describe an object's motion are its position, velocity, and acceleration.
How do you determine instantaneous acceleration from a velocity vs. time graph?
Instantaneous acceleration is equal to the slope of a line tangent to a point on the graph of the object's velocity as a function of time.
List five ways to represent an object's motion.
Motion can be represented by motion diagrams, figures, graphs, equations, and narrative descriptions.
What is the kinematic equation that relates final velocity to initial velocity, acceleration, and displacement, without using time?
The equation is $v_x^2 = v_{x0}^2 + 2 a_x (x - x_0)$.
How can you find an object's displacement during a time interval from its velocity vs. time graph?
The displacement of an object is equal to the area under the curve of its velocity vs. time graph for that time interval.
What is the kinematic equation that relates final velocity to initial velocity, acceleration, and time?
The equation is $v_x = v_{x0} + a_x t$.
How do you determine instantaneous velocity from a position vs. time graph?
Instantaneous velocity is equal to the slope of a line tangent to a point on the graph of the object's position as a function of time.
What is the relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration that can be seen using graphs?
The slope of a position-time graph represents velocity, and the slope of a velocity-time graph represents acceleration.