Understand the language of kinematics appropriate to motion in 2 dimensions. Know the difference between, displacement, distance from and distance travelled; velocity and speed, and between acceleration and magnitude of acceleration.

Position vector, relative position.
Average speed \(=\) distance travelled \(÷\) elapsed time
Average velocity \(=\) overall displacement \(÷\) elapsed time

[Excludes: Relative velocity]

Terms and definitions

Be able to extend the scope of techniques from motion in 1 dimension to that in 2 dimensions by using vectors.

The use of calculus and the use of constant acceleration formulae.

Notation:
\(\bold{a} = \dot{v} = \dfrac{d\bold{v}}{dt} \), \(\bold{v} = \dot{r} = \dfrac{d\bold{r}}{dt} \)

\(\bold{s} = \bold{u}t + \frac{1}{2}\bold{a}t^2\)

\(\bold{s} = \bold{v}t - \frac{1}{2}\bold{a}t^2\)

\(\bold{v} = \bold{u} + \bold{a}t\)

\(\bold{s} = \frac{1}{2}(\bold{u}+\bold{v})t\)

[Excludes: Vector form of \(v^2 - u^2 = 2as\)]

Acceleration using vectors Use calculus in kinematics for motion in a straight line

Be able to find the cartesian equation of the path of a particle when the components of its position vector are given in terms of time.

Acceleration using vectors

Be able to use vectors to solve problems in kinematics.

Includes relative position of one particle from another.
Includes knowing that the velocity vector gives the direction of motion and the acceleration vector gives the direction of resultant force.

Use calculus in kinematics for vectors