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Physics

Section Summary

PhysicsSection Summary

3.1 Acceleration

  • Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. Its magnitude is expressed in units of m/s2.
  • The components of acceleration may be positive or negative.

3.2 Representing Acceleration with Equations and Graphs

  • The kinematic equations show how time, displacement, velocity, and acceleration are related for objects in motion.
  • In general, kinematic problems can be solved by identifying the kinematic equation that expresses the unknown in terms of the knowns.
  • Displacement, velocity, and acceleration may be displayed graphically versus time.
  • The kinematic equations in this section are valid only for constant acceleration.
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