Chapter 2

Motion in One Dimension

Chapter Outline
2.1 Displacement (p. 27)
KEY TERMS: frame of reference, displacement, vector quantity, scalar
quantity
2.2 Velocity (p. 28)
KEY TERMS: average speed, average velocity, position vs. time graph,
instantaneous velocity, instantaneous speed
Example 2.1: The Tortoise and The Hare (p. 29)
Table 2.1: Position of the Car at Various Times (p. 30)
Graphical Interpretation of Velocity (p. 31)
Instantaneous Velocity (p. 32)
Table 2.2: Positions of a Car at Specific Instants of Time (p. 32)
Table 2.3: Calculated Values of the Time Intervals, Displacements, and
Average Velocities for the Car of Table 2.2 (p. 32)
Example 2.2: Slowly Moving Train (p. 33)
2.3 Acceleration (p. 34)
KEY TERMS: acceleration, average acceleration, instantaneous acceleration,
velocity vs. time graph
Average Acceleration (p. 34)
Instantaneous Acceleration (p. 35)
Example 2.3: Catching a Fly Ball (p. 36)
2.4 Motion Diagrams (p. 37)
KEY TERM: motion diagram
2.5 One-Dimensional Motion with Constant Acceleration (p. 38)
Table 2.4: Equations for Motion in a Straight Line Under Constant
Acceleration (p. 40)
PROBLEM-SOLVING STRATEGY: Motion in One Dimension at Constant
Acceleration (p. 40)
Example 2.4: The Daytona 500 (p. 40)
Example 2.5: Car Chase (p. 41)
Example 2.6: Runway Length (p. 42)
Example 2.7: The Acela: The Porsche of American Trains (p. 43)
2.6 Freely Falling Objects (p. 44)
KEY TERM: free-fall acceleration
Example 2.8: Not a Bad Throw for a Rookie! (p. 46)
Example 2.9: Maximum Height Derived (p. 47)
Example 2.10: A Rocket Goes Ballistic (p. 48)

4
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Chapter 2 Motion in One Dimension 5

Chapter Objectives
In this chapter, students will relate displacement, velocity, and acceleration through the
study of straight-line kinematics.

2.1 Define verbally and mathematically the displacement of an object from an initial
statement regarding its motion. Distinguish a vector quantity from a scalar
quantity.
2.2 Calculate the average speed and velocity of an object. Use graphical and
mathematical relationships to define average velocity and instantaneous velocity.
2.3 Use graphical and mathematical relationships to determine average acceleration
and instantaneous acceleration.
2.4 Create motion diagrams to describe the action of a moving body undergoing
zero or non-zero constant acceleration.
2.5 Derive kinematics expressions for objects under constant acceleration. Use
graphical relationships to describe the motion of such particles. Solve sample
problems involving objects under constant acceleration using a general problem-
solving strategy.
2.6 Describe free-fall acceleration verbally and mathematically. Solve problems
involving objects moving freely under the influence of gravity, including
scenarios that have two distinct phases of acceleration.

Lesson Plan for AP* Physics 1

AP* Physics 1 Curriculum Framework Components: Chapter 2
 
EK  1.C.2  
LO  3.A.1.1  [SPs  1.5,  2.1,  and  2.2]  
LO  3.A.1.2  [SP  4.2]  
LO  3.A.1.3  [SP  5.1]  
LO  4.A.1.1  [SPs  1.2,  1.4,  2.3,  and  6.4]  
LO  4.A.2.1  [SP  6.4]  
LO  4.A.2.3  [SPs  1.4  and  2.2]  

Suggested Time for AP Physics 1

14-16 traditional classes or 7-8 blocks. Chapter 2 is foundational for the study of
kinematics. Invest time comparing and contrasting scalars and vectors, recognizing
future opportunities will exist in upcoming chapters to toil more with vectors. Have
students work with displacement, velocity, and acceleration motion graphs to enable
them to understand how each is related to the other two. Spend time allowing students
to investigate the nature of acceleration due to gravity. Emphasize problem solving that
requires visual motion diagrams, and call students’ attention to the problem-solving
strategies and tip boxes to reduce common mistakes and misconceptions.

*AP and Advanced Placement Program are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination
Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or part.
6 Motion in One Dimension Chapter 2

Lesson Plan for AP* Physics 2

AP* Physics 2 Curriculum Framework Components: Chapter 2

None.

The content from Chapter 2 is outside any specific components of the AP Physics 2
Curriculum Framework.

Suggested Time for AP Physics 2

None.

Assessment
Quick Quizzes:
2.1 (p. 31)
2.2 (p. 35)
2.3 (p. 36)
2.4 (p. 38)
2.5 (p. 38)
2.6 (p. 45)
2.7 (p. 45)
2.8 (p. 45)

Quick Quiz answers: Text pp. A.23–A.34 (answers with explanations, IM p. 16)

Warm-Up Exercises: Text p. 50 (odd-numbered answers, Text p. A.24; answers with

explanations, IM pp. 17–19)

Conceptual Questions: Text pp. 50–51 (odd-numbered answers, Text p. A.24; even-
numbered answers, IM pp. 19–20)

Problems: Text pp. 51–56 (odd-numbered answers, Text p. A.24; even-numbered answers,
IM pp. 20–22; solutions, IM pp. 22–50)

Test Bank: Chapter 2 available on the Instructor's Companion Website

Study Tips
Tip 2.1 A Displacement Isn’t a Distance!
The displacement of an object is not the same as the distance it travels. Toss a tennis ball
up and catch it. The ball travels a distance equal to twice the maximum height reached,
but its displacement is zero.

Tip 2.2 Vectors Have Both a Magnitude and a Direction.

Scalars have size. Vectors, too, have size, but they also indicate a direction.

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Chapter 2 Motion in One Dimension 7

Tip 2.3 Slopes of Graphs

The word slope is often used in reference to the graphs of physical data. Regardless of the
change in vertical axis
type of data, the slope is given by Slope = . Slope carries units.
change in horizontal axis

Tip 2.4 Average Velocity vs. Average Speed

Average velocity is not the same as average speed. If you run from x = 0 m to x = 25 m
and back to your starting point in a time interval of 5 s, the average velocity is zero,
whereas the average speed is 10 m/s.

Tip 2.5 Negative Acceleration

Negative acceleration doesn’t necessarily mean an object is slowing down. If the
acceleration is negative and the velocity is also negative, the object is speeding up!

Tip 2.6 Deceleration

The word deceleration means a reduction in speed, a slowing down. Some confuse it with
a negative acceleration, which can speed something up. (See Tip 2.5.)

Tip 2.7 Pigs Don’t Fly

After solving a problem, you should think about your answer and decide whether it
seems reasonable. If it isn’t, look for your mistake!

2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or part.