Unit: 1D Kinematics

Lesson Preview

When an object moves with constant acceleration, we can derive a fundamental relationship between velocity, acceleration, and time.

Start with the definition of acceleration — the rate of change of velocity:

a=vfvita = \dfrac{v_f - v_i}{t}

Here, viv_i is the initial velocity, vfv_f is the final velocity, and aa is the constant acceleration.

To solve for vfv_f, multiply both sides by tt:

at=vfvia \cdot t = v_f - v_i

Then add viv_i to both sides and rearrange to get:

vf=vi+atv_f = v_i + at

This is the first kinematic equation.

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... continued in the full lesson.

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