Strand = Physics
The Motion of Objects

Last Date of Revision: October 6

Overall Expectations

Specific Expectations

Be able to work with scalar and vector quantities as they relate to linear motion.
Addition of vectors both collinear and non-collinear.
Be able to distinguish between constant, instantaneous and average speed and velocity involving uniform and non-uniform motion.
Describe quantitatively and be able to work with the one dimensional average speed and average velocity relationship.
Draw position time graphs and calculate average velocity and instantaneous velocity from such graphs.
Describe quantitatively the relationship among average acceleration, change in velocity and elapsed time and solve mathematical problems involving these quantities
Be able to analyse postion-tiem and velocity-time graphs for constant velocity and constant acceleration and calculate the constant acceleration and displacement from these graphs.
Use a velocity-time graph for constant acceleration to derive the equation for average velocity and the equations of displacement. To be able to work with problems involving these equations.
To be able to plan and conduct an inquiry into the mechanics of motion, controlling variables and adapting procedures to accomodate the equipment available.
Analyse collected data and information to verify or deduce relationships between time, displacement, velocity (speed) and acceleration.
Identify, explain and express sources of errorand uncertainty in experimental measurements and work in the appropriate units.
Design, conduct and evaluate experiments to measure the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of a moving object in one dimension, for both uniform motion and constant acceleration.
Design, conduct and evaluate experiments to measure the acceleration due to gravity.
To work with graphs and vector diagrams to predict observed motion in one dimension.
Be able to evalute costs and benefits of technologies related to the motion and propulsion of vehicles.
How sports equipment is being improved to increase its flight or motion characteristics.
Analyse how and what technology is used used for tracking the motion of objects.

The Study of Motion

The four main areas of study are as follows:

  1. Distance time and speed and how they are related
  2. The concept of acceleration; when speed changes
  3. Vectors: as applied to displacement and velocity
    adding vectorsboth graphically and algebraicly
    navigation
  4. Acceleration as a vector
    explaining the terms constant, average, and instantaneous
    "area under the curve" relations
    acceleration due gravity