Describing Motion with Words

Introduction to the Language of Kinematics

• Introduction
• Scalars and Vectors
• Distance and Displacement
• Speed and Velocity
• Acceleration

A typical physics course concerns itself with a variety of broad topics. One such topic is mechanics – the study of the motion of objects. The first six units of The Physics Classroom tutorial will involve an investigation into the physics of motion. As we focus on the language, principles, and laws that describe and explain the motion of objects, your efforts should centre on internalizing the meaning of the information. Avoid memorizing the information; and avoid abstracting the information from the physical world that it describes and explains. Rather, contemplate the information, thinking about its meaning and its applications.