9702 · 2.1
Equations of motion flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9702 Equations of motion (syllabus 2.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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What does uniform acceleration mean?
The velocity of an object changes at a constant rate.
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State one of the SUVAT equations that does not involve final velocity ($v$).
$s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2$
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What information does the area under a velocity-time graph provide?
The total displacement of the object.
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What is the typical initial velocity ($u$) for an object dropped from rest?
$0 \, \text{m/s}$
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How are horizontal and vertical components of motion treated in projectile problems?
They are analyzed independently of each other.
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Define displacement ($s$).
The overall change in position from a starting point, including direction (a vector quantity).
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What does the gradient of a displacement-time graph represent?
The object's velocity.
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What is the approximate value and direction of acceleration due to gravity ($g$)?
$9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2$ in a downwards direction.
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Is velocity a scalar or vector quantity?
Velocity is a vector quantity (it has both magnitude and direction).
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Which SUVAT equation would you use if time ($t$) is not known or required?
$v^2 = u^2 + 2as$
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What happens to the horizontal velocity of a projectile (ignoring air resistance)?
It remains constant throughout the motion.
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What is the acceleration of a projectile at the peak of its trajectory?
The acceleration is constant throughout the flight and is equal to the acceleration due to gravity, g (9.81 m/s² downwards), even at the peak where vertical velocity is momentarily zero.
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What is the vertical velocity of a projectile at its maximum height?
0 m/s. The projectile momentarily stops moving upwards before it begins to fall back down.
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What physical quantity is represented by the area under an acceleration-time graph?
The change in velocity (Δv).
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How do you resolve an initial velocity 'u' at an angle 'θ' to the horizontal into its components?
Horizontal component: uₓ = u cos(θ). Vertical component: uᵧ = u sin(θ).