A.1
Kinematics
Motion, displacement, velocity, acceleration and the equations of uniform motion.
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A.1 Kinematics
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Key Concepts, Kinematics
Distance vs Displacement
Distance is a scalar — it measures the total ground covered during a journey, regardless of direction. Displacement is a vector — it measures the straight-line change in position from start to finish, including direction. For example, an object that travels a winding path of 250 m but ends up 128 m east of its starting point has a distance of 250 m and a displacement of 128 m east.
Velocity and Acceleration
Speed is a scalar equal to distance ÷ time. Velocity is a vector equal to displacement ÷ time, measured in m/s. Instantaneous speed is the speed at a specific moment; average speed is total distance ÷ total time taken. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, measured in m/s², and is also a vector. Constant (or steady) speed means no acceleration and, in a forces context, no resultant force.
Equations of Motion (SUVAT)
The equations of motion apply only when acceleration is constant and motion is in a straight line. The five quantities are: s (displacement), u (initial velocity), v (final velocity), a (acceleration), and t (time). The four equations are: v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as, and s = ½(u + v)t. The method: draw a diagram, choose a positive direction, list your known SUVAT values, then select the equation that contains your unknown and your four known quantities.
Projectile Motion
A projectile is any object moving under gravity alone, with no propulsion. Its motion is split into two independent components: horizontal (constant velocity, no acceleration) and vertical (constant acceleration of g = 9.81 m/s² downward). For oblique projections, the initial velocity must be resolved using trigonometry into vertical (u sin θ) and horizontal (u cos θ) components. At maximum height, vertical velocity = 0. The trajectory in ideal conditions is a perfect parabola.
Air Resistance and Terminal Velocity
In reality, air resistance opposes motion and affects a projectile in several ways: the trajectory is no longer a perfect parabola (shorter and steeper), the time of flight is reduced, and vertical acceleration is not constant. On the way up, air resistance adds to deceleration (increased upward deceleration). On the way down, air resistance opposes weight (decreased downward acceleration). Terminal velocity is reached when the upward force of air resistance equals the downward force of weight, resulting in zero net force and constant velocity.
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- ✓ Exam-style questions with full mark schemes for Kinematics
- ✓ HL extension material covered
- ✓ Mock exam, annotated data booklet and Paper 1B practice
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Frequently Asked Questions, IB Physics Kinematics
What is Kinematics in IB Physics? ↓
Motion, displacement, velocity, acceleration and the equations of uniform motion. This topic is part of Theme A (Space, Time & Motion) in the current IB Physics syllabus.
Is Kinematics SL or HL in IB Physics? ↓
Kinematics is covered by both SL and HL students in the current IB Physics syllabus. HL students study additional depth and extension content beyond the SL core.
What equations do I need for IB Physics Kinematics? ↓
The key equations for Kinematics are covered in the concept tutorial above. For a structured set of notes with all equations, conditions and worked examples, the GradePod Exam Pack includes a revision note template for every topic.
What are common exam mistakes in IB Physics Kinematics? ↓
Common mistakes are covered in detail in the exam technique video above. The GradePod Exam Pack also includes exam-style questions with mark schemes so you can see exactly how marks are awarded and where students typically drop them.
How do I revise Kinematics for the IB Physics exam? ↓
Follow the GradePod three-step method. First, watch the concept tutorial and tick off each learning objective on the checklist above as you go. Second, watch the exam technique video to see how IB-style questions are answered under exam conditions. Third, use the Exam Pack to practise independently with knowledge questions, exam questions and mark schemes. That's it. It works. I promise.