Last week’s first lesson (Monday) introduced 1D motion and derived three key formulas used for
constant-acceleration problems. After deriving the equations, we worked through an example and began
discussing constant vs. erratic motion. We then graphed a-t, v-t, and s-t graphs, which are typically flat
(constant), linear, and parabolic, respectively. From these graphs, we concluded that the slope of a v-t
graph gives the instantaneous acceleration, and the area under a v-t graph gives the displacement. In the
second lesson, we reviewed displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time, then moved into non-constant
acceleration (erratic motion) problems. A major takeaway was recognizing that the chain rule can be used
to derive acceleration in alternative forms. The lesson ended with Dr. Thamban transitioning into 2D
motion cases.
Equations of motion