Physics Midterm Review

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

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 Unit 2: Vectors and 2D Motion

Topic A: Vectors

Key Terms: Head to Tail, Resultant, Component

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:

Vx = V (constant)

Notes on “y” Motion:

Vyi = 0

a = -9.8

∆Y = is negative “-“

Projectiles Launched at an Angle (from the ground and landing on the ground)

Notes on “x” Motion:

Vx = Vcosθ (constant) a = 0

Notes on “y” Motion:

a = -9.8

∆Y = 0

Vyi = Vsinθ

Unit 3: Newton’s Laws of Motion

Key Terms: Force (Applied, Frictional, Gravity , 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

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)