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BoxSand – Flip the Classroom

Lecture 2 | 1D Kinematics Problem Solving Strategies

1D Kinematics

Lecture 2 | 1D Kinematics Problem Solving Strategies

1D Kinematics

This lecture will focus on how to solve the problems introduced in the previous lecture. Today will be an opportunity to flex problem-solving muscles: a major reason for taking physics and a skill to apply to any field of study. Ask questions and make as many mistakes as possible, as this is as low-stakes as it gets (compared to homework, exams, and your future job).

Flipping Physics covers 1D Kinematics with some examples (refers to the subject as Uniformly accelerating motion).

Introduction to Uniformly Accelerated Motion with Examples of Objects in UAM

Pre-lecture Study Resources

Read the BoxSand Introduction and watch the pre-lecture videos before doing the pre-lecture homework or attending class. If you have time, or would like more preparation, please read the OpenStax textbook and/or try the fundamental examples provided below.

1-D Kinematics | Problem Solving Strategies

This module does not have new material but rather is focused on application of problem solving in kinematics. If you have not checked out the Problem Solving Guide, located further down on this page, I suggest you take a look. Here is the Checklist of things to consider when analyzing kinematics situations from the Problem Solving Guide.

  1. Read and re-read the whole problem carefully.
  2. Visualize the scenario. Mentally try to understand what the object is doing.
    1. Motion diagrams are a great tool here for visual cues as to what the motion of an object looks like.
  3. Draw a physical representation of the scenario; include initial and final velocity vectors, acceleration vectors, position vectors, and displacement vectors.
  4. Define a coordinate system; place the origin on the physical representation where you want the zero location of the x and y components of position.
  5. Identify and write down the knowns and unknowns.
  6. Identify and write down any connecting pieces of information.
  7. Determine which kinematic equation(s) will provide you with the proper ratio of equations to number of unknowns; you need at least the same number of unique equations as unknowns to be able to solve for an unknown.
  8. Carry out the algebraic process of solving the equation(s).
    1. If simple, desired unknown can be directly solved for.
    2. May have to solve for intermediate unknown to solve for desired known.
    3. May have to solve multiple equations and multiple unknowns.
    4. May have to refer to the geometry to create another equation.
    5. If multiple objects or constant acceleration stages or dimensions, there is a set of kinematic equations for each. Something will connect them.
  9. Evaluate your answer, make sure units are correct and the results are within reason.

Key Equations and Infographics

Kinematic Equation 1 (KEq1)

Kinematic Equation 2 (KEq2)

Kinematic Equation 3 (Keq3)

Required Videos

Note how every problem is setup the same way:

Kinematics example - 1D less simple

Suggested Supplemental Videos

How Not to Suck at Physics 3 - Exam Success (4min)

The reading below is the same as the previous lecture.

OpenStax section 2.5 covers Motion Equations for Constant Acceleration in 1-D.

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OpenStax section 2.6 covers Problem-Solving basics for 1D Kinematics.

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OpenStax section 2.7 covers Falling Objects.

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Acceleration Algebraic Addition of Vectors Average Acceleration Average Speed Average Velocity Axis Cartesian Coordinates Component Decomposition Displacement Displacement Vector Free Fall Free Fall Acceleration Graphical Addition Kinematics Launch Angle Magnitude Motion Motion Diagram Order-of-Magnitude Estimate Particle Model Period Position Position Vector Position vs. Time Graph Projectile Projectile Motion Quadrants Radians Reference Frame Representation of Knowledge Resultant Vector Scalar Quantity SI Units Significant Figures Speed Time Interval Trajectory Translational Motion Turning Point Uniform Circular Motion Uniform Motion Uniformly Accelerated Motion Unit Vector ( i , j ) Vector Component Vector Quantity Velocity Velocity Vector Velocity vs. Time Graph Zero Vector

Kinematics