AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
If you are given a velocity vector at 30 degrees above the horizontal, what must you do before applying kinematic equations?
The vector must be resolved into its perpendicular horizontal and vertical components using trigonometric functions.
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If you are given a velocity vector at 30 degrees above the horizontal, what must you do before applying kinematic equations?
The vector must be resolved into its perpendicular horizontal and vertical components using trigonometric functions.
What mathematical tools are used to resolve a vector into its perpendicular components?
Vectors can be resolved into perpendicular components by using trigonometric functions and relationships within a chosen coordinate system.
Perpendicular Components
The two components of a vector that are at right angles to each other and whose resultant is the original vector.
Compare the acceleration in the two dimensions of projectile motion.
One dimension has zero acceleration, while the second dimension has a constant, nonzero acceleration.
How would you begin to analyze the motion of a cannonball fired from a cannon?
You would analyze it as projectile motion, separating the motion into a horizontal component with zero acceleration and a vertical component with constant, nonzero acceleration.
Describe the acceleration of an object in projectile motion.
In projectile motion, there is zero acceleration in one dimension (usually horizontal) and a constant, nonzero acceleration in the second dimension (usually vertical).
Two-Dimensional Motion
Motion of an object that can be described by separating the motion into two perpendicular components.
What is the key condition that allows one-dimensional kinematics to be used for two-dimensional motion analysis?
One-dimensional kinematic relationships can be used if the two-dimensional motion is first separated into its perpendicular components.
What is the role of a coordinate system when working with vector components?
A chosen coordinate system is used as the framework to resolve vectors into their specific components.
What does it mean to resolve a vector into perpendicular components?
Resolving a vector involves breaking it down into two perpendicular components, often aligned with a chosen coordinate system.
How do the perpendicular components of a vector relate to the vector itself?
The original vector is the resultant of its two perpendicular components.
What is projectile motion?
Projectile motion is a special case of two-dimensional motion characterized by zero acceleration in one dimension and constant, nonzero acceleration in the other.
What is the primary method for analyzing motion in two dimensions?
Motion in two dimensions can be analyzed by separating the motion into components and using one-dimensional kinematic relationships for each component.
How are vectors mathematically modeled using their components?
Vectors can be mathematically modeled as the resultant of their two perpendicular components.