PHYSICS MIDTERM REVIEW
Unit 1: Linear Motion
Topic A: Uniform Motion
Key Terms: Frame of Reference, Constant Speed, Average Speed, Velocity,
Distance, Displacement, Position
Note: If asked to find average or constant speed or velocity use the
following equation.
Graphs: Distance/Displacement/Position Vs Time
∆s = use the y-axis
X
Slope = v
t
Topic B: Accelerated Motion (speeding up, slowing down, changing direction)
Key Terms: Acceleration, Acceleration Due to Gravity (-9.8 m/s2)
Note: Anytime the motion is experiencing acceleration use one of the
following equations.
Graphs: Distance/Displacement/Position Vs Time, Velocity Vs Time
Slope = a
v
X
Area Under Curve = ∆s
t
To determine if
speeding up or
slowing down, use
slope of tangent line
t
Unit 2: Vectors and 2D Motion
Topic A: Vectors
Key Terms: Head to Tail, Resultant, Component
θ
Bx
C
By
A
Cy
Ay
B
Ax
Cx
Topic B: Projectiles
Key Terms: Range, Displacement
Note: When solving problems involving the motion of a projectile, remember to
separate into horizontal “x” motion and vertical “y” motion since they are
independent of each other. Then use the kinematics equations.
Projectiles Launched Horizontally
Notes on “x” Motion:
V
Vx = V (constant)
a=0
Notes on “y” Motion:
∆Y
Vyi = 0
∆X (Range)
a = -9.8
∆Y = is negative “-“
Projectiles Launched at an Angle (from the ground and landing on the ground)
Notes on “x” Motion:
Vy = 0 @ max
Vx = Vcosθ (constant)
height
a=0
Notes on “y” Motion:
V
a = -9.8
θ
∆X (Range)
∆Y = 0
Vyi = Vsinθ
Unit 3: Newton’s Laws of Motion
Key Terms: Force (Applied, Frictional, Gravity <weight>, Normal, Tension), Free
Body Diagram
1st Law: Inertia

Balanced Forces

Constant Motion

State of Equilibrium
2nd Law: ΣF = ma

Unbalanced Force (Net Force)

Accelerated Motion

Acceleration is in the Direction of the Net Force

Acceleration and Net Force have a Direct Relationship

Acceleration and Mass have an Inverse Relationship
3rd Law: Action – Reaction

Forces are Equal and Opposite

Act on Different Objects
Solving Problems
1. Read the Problem
2. Draw a FBD with ALL Forces
3. ΣForces in “x” and “y” set = ma
4. Solve for Unknown
Unit 4: Circular Motion and Universal Gravitation
Topic A: Circular Motion
Key Terms: Centripetal Acceleration, Centripetal Force, Linear (Tangential)
Velocity, Frequency, Period
Motion
v
Fc
ac
Note: A centripetal force is not a real force. It is some other force acting
as a centripetal force. Examples: friction (car turning), gravity (orbiting
bodies), tension (conical pendulum), normal (carnival rides), weight
(something on the Earth’s surface)
Topic B: Universal Gravitation
Key Terms: Gravitational Force, Kepler’s Laws
Force of Gravity Depends on:
1.
Mass of Objects (Direct Relationship)
2. Distance Between Centers (Inverse Square Relationship)