Physics Club: Kinematics
Michael Jiao
March 2023
Contents
1 What is Kinematics?
1
2 Kinematics Equations: The Big Five
1
3 Introductory Problems
2
4 Frames of Motion
2
5 Chapter Problems
2
1
What is Kinematics?
Kinematics is usually the first topic covered in any physics course, representing
the basic science between the motion of the objects. Kinematics is a sub-field of
physics describing the motion of points, bodies, and systems without analyzing
the forces that causes them.
Although kinematics is usually considered one of the easier subjects for
physics, it still does appear in many forms in physics competitions. In particular, the F=ma competition will usually have at least 3 kinematics problems
in them, varying in difficulty.
2
Kinematics Equations: The Big Five
In kinematics, there are 5 main equations which will be used thoroughly throughout this chapter, sometimes in a combination of multiple equations.
Let v be velocity, x be position, a be acceleration, and t be time. A subscript
of f means the final value, and a subscript of 0 means the initial value.
1: vf = v0 + at
1
3
Introductory Problems
Problem 1 - Difficulty: ★
Derive a formula for the time spent in air for a projectile launched at an
angle θ above the horizontal with a speed of v in terms of v, θ, and g.
Problem 2 - Difficulty: ★★★
An arrow is shot at a speed of 50 m/s to hit a target 50m away. The
target and initial height of the arrow are the same. Find the angle
required for the angle to hit the target.
4
Frames of Motion
5
Chapter Problems
2