This document provides an overview and review of kinematics concepts including: 1) Defining directions as positive or negative is important to avoid errors in kinematics problems. 2) Five fundamental kinematics equations are presented that assume constant or zero acceleration and deal with displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time. 3) An example problem is provided and instructions are given for homework practice problems to reinforce kinematics concepts.

1. Unit 1 – Review of Kinematics
Linear Motion Equations
Kinematics Problems
Nelson References:
Motion Quantities and Motion Graphs: 8-15
Motion Equations: 17-20

2. Review of Grade 11 Kinematics
 Motion equations deal with linear motion which
has two directions: + and –
 We must define these two directions:
If up is defined to be +, then down must be____
Similarly if North is said to be + then South must
be ______ .
Many errors in solving kinematics problems relates
to incorrect use of directions (using a “+” when
a “–” should be used). By carefully defining
directions as + or - and then correctly writing
down all known quantities using the correct sign
for direction, you can avoid this type of error.

3. For the following kinematics equations,
acceleration must be constant or zero. All
quantities are vector quantities: velocity (v),
displacement (ΔdT)and acceleration (a).
These equations must be memorized!
 ΔdT = ½(v1+v2)Δt = vAVGΔt
 v2 = v1 + aΔt, here Δv = aΔt
 ΔdT = v1 Δt +½ aΔt2
 ΔdT = v2 Δt - ½ aΔt2
 v2
2= v1
2 +2aΔdT

4. Chalkboard Example
 Tony is driving at 130 km/h [W] when he
passes a non-moving police car. It takes
the officer 4.0 s to react, he then starts to
accelerate at 4.0 m/s2 [W] for 10 s and
then he moves with uniform motion until
he catches up to Tony.
 Do the following:
 Draw a v-t graph. Let t = 0.0 s when Tony
just starts to pass the officer.
 Determine the amount of time it takes the
officer to just catch up to Tony. Ans. 92 s

5. Practice Questions
 Assume linear motion for all problems.
Homework for the next 2 days:
 Page 8B Basic Skills Q# 2 to 5
 Page 8B App. Vert. Mot. Q #1 - 6
 Page 8B App. To Cars Q #1 – 4
After the above questions are complete:
Page 8c Q# 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 Other Problems #3
These questions are very challenging and we will
spend a few days taking them up.

6. Nelson Problems
These questions may be used for review
purposes.
 Page 19 #1, 3, 4, 5, 6
 Page 21 #1-7