Chapter

3 Accelerated Motion
In this chapter you will:

Develop descriptions of
accelerated motions.

Use graphs and equations

to solve problems involving
moving objects.

Describe the motion of

objects in free fall.
Chapter
3 Table of Contents
Chapter 3: Accelerated Motion

Section 3.1: Acceleration

Section 3.2: Motion with Constant Acceleration

Section 3.3: Free Fall

Homework

Read Chapter 3. Complete Study Guide.

Graphical Analysis Packet

HW 3: handout
Section Warmup: Which Velocity Is It?
3.1 Physics Daily Warmup # 16

There are two types of velocity that we encounter in our everyday lives.
Instantaneous velocity refers to how fast something is moving at a particular
point in time, while average velocity refers to the average speed something
travels over a given period of time.

For each use of velocity described below, identify whether it is instantaneous

velocity or average velocity.

1.The speedometer on your car indicates you are instantaneous

going 65 mph.

2.A race-car driver was listed as driving 120 mph average

for the entire race.

3. A freely falling object has a speed of 19.6 m/s after

instantaneous
2 seconds of fall in a vacuum.

4. The speed limit sign says 45 mph. instantaneous

Section
3.1 Acceleration
In this section you will:

Define acceleration.

Relate velocity and acceleration to the motion of an object.

Create velocity-time graphs.

Section
3.1 Acceleration
Changing Velocity

You can feel a difference

between uniform and
nonuniform motion.

When you move in

nonuniform motion, you feel

pushed or pulled.

In contrast, when you are in

uniform motion and your eyes

are closed, you feel as though
you are not moving at all.
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Changing Velocity
Consider the motion diagrams below showing the distance
between successive positions.
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Changing Velocity

There are two major indicators of the change in velocity in this

motion diagram. The change in the spacing of the stick figures or
dots and the differences in the lengths of the velocity vectors
indicate the changes in velocity.
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Changing Velocity

If an object speeds up, each subsequent velocity vector is longer.

If the object slows down, each vector is shorter than the previous
one.

Both types of motion diagrams give an idea of how an object’s

velocity is changing.
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Velocity-Time Graphs
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Average and Instantaneous Acceleration

The rate at which an object’s velocity changes is called the

acceleration of the object. When the velocity of an object
changes at a constant rate, it has a constant acceleration.

The average acceleration of an object is the change in velocity

during some measurable time interval divided by that time
interval.

Average acceleration is measured in m/s2.

The change in velocity at an instant of time is called

instantaneous acceleration.
Section
3.1 Please Do Now

Describe the part of a rollercoaster ride that would be

uniform motion and the part that would be non-uniform
motion.

Write (3) lines.

Section
3.1 Acceleration
Instantaneous Acceleration
The instantaneous acceleration of an object can be found by
drawing a tangent line on the velocity-time graph at the point of time in
which you are interested.

The slope of this line is equal to the instantaneous acceleration.

Example:
Tangent line
is drawn at
t = 1.0 s and
t = 5.0 s
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Average Acceleration
The average acceleration of an object can be found by plotting two points
which define the time interval, connecting the points with a straight line, and
finding the slope of the line.

Example: slope of the

line indicates the
average acceleration
between 1.0 and 5.0 s.
Section
3.1 Velocity – Time Graph: Example

a) How would you describe the sprinter’s velocity and acceleration as

shown on the graph?

From the graph, note that the sprinter’s velocity starts at zero, increases
rapidly for the first few seconds, and then, after reaching about 10.0 m/s,
remains almost constant.
Section
3.1 Velocity – Time Graph: Example

b) What is his instantaneous acceleration at t = 1 second and t = 5

seconds?

Instantaneous acceleration: Draw a tangent to the curve at t = 1.0 s

and t = 5.0 s. Find the slope of each line.
Section
3.1 Velocity – Time Graph: Example

Solve for acceleration at 1.0 s:

Solve for acceleration at 5.0 s:

The acceleration is not constant because it changes from 3.4 m/s2 to

0.03 m/s2 at 5.0 s.

The acceleration is in the direction chosen to be positive because

both values are positive.
Section
3.1 Velocity – Time Graph: Example

c) What is his average acceleration between 1 and 5 seconds?

Average acceleration: Draw a line between the points at t = 1 s and

t = 5 s. Find the slope of the line.

The slope is 4 m/s

5s

= 0.8 m/s2
Section
3.1 Exit Ticket

Write in your own words, what is the difference between

velocity and acceleration?
Section
3.1 Exit Ticket
1. Is a ride on an escalator uniform or non-uniform
motion?
uniform

2. What does the slope of the line on a position-time graph

indicate?
velocity

3. What does the slope of the line on a velocity-time graph

indicate?
acceleration
Section
3.1 Please Do Now
Speed is how fast something is moving.

Velocity is how fast AND in what direction.

Acceleration is speeding up or slowing down AND in what direction.

Write 1-3 sentences using the words speed, velocity, and acceleration.

Example: The rocket accelerated off the launch pad, gaining speed with
each passing second. It reached a velocity of 25,000 miles per hour as it
left the earths’s atmosphere.
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Positive and Negative Acceleration
These four motion diagrams represent the four different possible ways
to move along a straight line with constant acceleration.

Positive direction, speeding up

Positive direction, slowing down

Negative direction, speeding up

Negative direction, slowing down

Section
3.1 Acceleration
Positive and Negative Acceleration
v
When the object is speeding up, the velocity and a
acceleration vectors point in the same direction.
(case 1 and 3)
v
When the object is slowing down, the velocity and a
acceleration vectors point in opposite directions
(case 2 and 4)
v
Both the direction of an object’s velocity and its a
direction of acceleration are needed to determine
whether it is speeding up or slowing down.
v

a
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Positive and Negative Acceleration
v

+a
An object has a positive
acceleration when the
acceleration vector points in the v
positive direction and a negative
-a
acceleration, when the
acceleration vector points in the
negative direction. v

The sign of acceleration does -a

not indicate whether the object is
speeding up or slowing down. v

+a
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Determining Acceleration from a v-t Graph

Velocity and acceleration

information also is contained
in velocity-time graphs.

Graphs A, B, C, D, and E, as
shown on the right, represent
the motions of five different
runners.

Positive velocity in this graph

means the direction is east.
Negative velocity means the
direction is west.
Section
3.1 Determining Acceleration from a v-t Graph

Describe the direction of motion, velocity and acceleration for:

Graph A:
Zero slope means zero acceleration; constant velocity towards the east.

Graph B:
Starting with zero velocity, picking up speed, moving towards the east. The
straight line indicates constant acceleration.

Graph C:
Moving towards the east while slowing down and eventually stopping.
Slowing down with a constant negative acceleration.
Section
3.1 Determining Acceleration from a v-t Graph

Graph D:
Moving towards the west while slowing down, turns around, then moves
east while speeding up.

Graph E:
Moving west with constant velocity, zero acceleration.

Remember, for a velocity-time graph:

- positive velocity occurs when the line is anywhere above the x-
axis
- positive velocity means the object is moving in the positive
direction, which might be east, to the right, etc.
- the slope of the line indicated the acceleration
- a straight line means constant acceleration
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Determining Acceleration from a v-t Graph

The following equation expresses average acceleration as the

slope of the velocity-time graph.

Average acceleration is equal to the change in velocity, divided

by the time it takes to make that change.
Section
3.1 Acceleration
Example: Suppose you run a wind sprints back and forth across the
gym. You run at a speed of 4.0 m/s toward the wall, touch and run back at
the same speed. The whole trip takes 10 seconds. What is your average
acceleration if the positive direction is toward the wall?

Givens: vi = 4 m/s; vf = -4 m/s; t = 10 s

Unknown: a

Equation:

Substitute and Solve:

Sense: The negative sign means the acceleration is away from the wall.
Change in direction of motion results in acceleration.
Section
3.1 Section Check
Question 1

Which of the following statements correctly define acceleration?

A. Acceleration is the rate of change of displacement of an object.

B. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object.

C. Acceleration is the amount of distance covered in unit time.

D. Acceleration is the rate of change of speed of an object.

Section
3.1 Section Check
Answer 1

Answer: B

Reason: The rate at which an object’s velocity changes is called

acceleration of the object.
Section
3.1 Section Check
Question 2

What happens when the velocity vector and the acceleration vector
of an object in motion are in same direction?

A. The acceleration of the object increases.

B. The speed of the object increases.

C. The object comes to rest.

D. The speed of the object decreases.

Section
3.1 Section Check
Answer 2

Answer: B

Reason: When the velocity vector and the acceleration vector of an

object in motion are in same direction, the speed of the
object increases.
Section
3.1 Section Check

Question 3
On the basis of the
velocity-time graph
of a car moving up
a hill, as shown on
the right, determine
the average
acceleration of the
car?

A. 0.5 m/s2 C. 2 m/s2

B. -0.5 m/s2 D. -2 m/s2

Section
3.1 Section Check
Answer 3

Answer: B

Reason: Average acceleration of an object is the slope of the

velocity-time graph.

vf = 0 vi = 25 m/s

tf = 50 s ti = 0

a = vf – vi = 0 – 25 m/s = - 0.5 m/s2

tf – ti 50 s - 0
Section
3.2

Please Do Now

In full sentences, write (2) things that are

the same and (1) thing that is different
about velocity and acceleration.
Section
3.2 Please Do Now

Low Road / High Road

In full sentences, state which steel ball

will win the race and explain why. Use
the words displacement, velocity and
acceleration.
Section
3.2

3.1 Practice Problems, p. 64: 6, 7, 9, 10.

Motion with Constant Acceleration

Low Road / High Road Demo

Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
In this section you will:

Interpret position-time graphs for motion with constant

acceleration.

Determine mathematical relationships among position,

velocity, acceleration, and time.

Apply graphical and mathematical relationships to solve

problems related to constant acceleration.
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Velocity with Average Acceleration

If an object’s average acceleration during a time interval is

known, then it can be used to determine how much the velocity
changed during that time.

The definition of average acceleration:

can be rewritten as follows:

Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Velocity with Average Acceleration

The equation for final velocity with average acceleration can be

written as follows:

The final velocity is equal to the initial velocity plus the product
of the average acceleration and time interval.

vi
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Velocity with Average Acceleration

In cases in which the acceleration is constant, the average

acceleration, ā, is the same as the instantaneous acceleration,
a.

The equation for final velocity can be rearranged to find the time
at which an object with constant acceleration has a given
velocity.

It also can be used to calculate the initial velocity of an object

when both the velocity and the time at which it occurred are
given.
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Position with Constant Acceleration
The position data at different
time intervals for a car with
constant acceleration are
shown in the table.

The data from the table are

graphed as shown on the
next slide.
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration

Position with Constant Acceleration

The graph shows that the

car’s motion is not uniform:
the displacements for equal
time intervals on the graph
get larger and larger.

The slope of a position-time

graph of a car moving with a
constant acceleration gets
steeper as time goes on.
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration

Position with Constant Acceleration

The slopes from the position

time graph can be used to
create a velocity-time graph
as shown on the right.

Note that the slopes shown in

the position-time graph are
the same as the velocities
graphed in velocity-time
graph.
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Position with Constant Acceleration

A velocity-time graph does not contain any information about

the object’s position.

However, the velocity-time graph does contain information about

the object’s displacement.

Recall that for an object moving at a constant velocity,

Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Position with Constant Acceleration

On the graph shown on the

right, v is the height of the
plotted line above the t-axis,
while Δt is the width of the
shaded rectangle. The area of
the rectangle, then, is vΔt, or
Δd. Thus, the area under the v-t
graph is equal to the object’s
displacement.

The area under the v-t graph is

equal to the object’s
displacement.
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Finding the Displacement from a v-t Graph
Example 1:

The v-t graph below shows the motion of an airplane. Find the
displacement of the airplane at Δt = 1.0 s and at Δt = 2.0 s.
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Finding the Displacement from a v-t Graph
The displacement is the area under the v-t graph.
The time intervals begin at t = 0.0.
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Finding the Displacement from a v-t Graph

Identify the given and unknown variables.

Given: Unknown:

v = +75 m/s Δd = ?

Δt = 1.0 s

Δt = 2.0 s
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Finding the Displacement from a v-t Graph
Solve for displacement during Δt = 1.0 s.

Equation:

Substitute: v = +75 m/s, Δt = 1.0 s

Solve:
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Finding the Displacement from a v-t Graph

Solve for displacement during Δt = 2.0 s.

Substitute v = +75 m/s, Δt = 2.0 s
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
Finding the Displacement from a v-t Graph
Sense:

Are the units correct?

Displacement is measured in meters.

Do the signs make sense?

The positive sign agrees with the graph.

Is the magnitude realistic?

Moving a distance to about one football field is reasonable

for an airplane.
Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
An Alternative Expression
Often, it is useful to relate position, velocity, and constant
acceleration without including time.

The three equations for motion with constant acceleration

are summarized in the table.
Section
3.2 Section Check
Question 1

A position-time graph of a bike

moving with constant acceleration
is shown on the right. Which
statement is correct regarding the
displacement of the bike?

A. The displacement in C. The displacement in equal

equal time interval is time interval progressively
constant. decreases.

B. The displacement in D. The displacement in equal

equal time interval time interval first increases,
progressively then after reaching a
increases. particular point it decreases.
Section
3.2 Section Check
Answer 1

Answer: B

Reason: You will see that the slope gets steeper as time goes,
which means that the displacement in equal time interval
progressively gets larger and larger.
Section
3.2 Section Check
Question 2

A car is moving with an initial velocity of vi m/s. After reaching a

highway, it moves with a constant acceleration of a m/s2, what will be
the velocity (vf) of the car after traveling for t seconds?

A. vf = vi + at

B. vf = vi + 2at

C. vf2 = vi2 + 2at

D. vf = vi – at
Section
3.2 Section Check
Answer 2

Answer: A

Reason: Since a = Δv/Δt

vf - vi = a (tf - ti)

Also since car is starting from rest, ti = 0

Therefore vf = vi + at (where t is the total time)

Section
3.2 Section Check

Question 3

If you were given initial and final velocities and the constant
acceleration of an object, and you were asked to find the
displacement, what equation would you use?

A. vf = vi + at

B. df = di + vi t + ½ at2

C. vf2 = vi2 + 2a(df - di)

D. vf = vi – at
Section
3.2 Section Check

Answer 3

Answer: C

Reason: Kinematics equation number 3 does not require time. You

are not given time in the problem.
Section
3.2 Please Do Now
• Write a question or problem that might occur on the
Chapter 3 test.

• Pass it to your shoulder partner to answer.

• Check their work!

Section
3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration

Practice Problems p.65: 20, 21.

Section Review p.71: 34, 39.

Section
3.2 Please Do Now

1) What does the slope of the line indicate on a

position vs. time graph? (Hint: don’t write rise over
run) velocity

2) What does the slope of the line indicate on a

velocity vs. time graph? acceleration

3) What is the average position between 3 meters

and 10 meters? 6.5 meters

4) How can I find displacement on a velocity vs. time

graph? area under the curve
Section
3.3 Free Fall

Free Fall

In this section you will:

Define acceleration due to gravity.

Solve problems involving objects in free fall.

Section
3.3 Free Fall
Acceleration Due to Gravity
free fall – the motion of a body when air resistance is negligible and
the motion can be considered due to the force of gravity alone.

After a lot of observation, Galileo concluded that, neglecting the effect

of the air, all objects in free fall had the same acceleration.

It didn’t matter what they were made of, how much they weighed,
what height they were dropped from, or whether they were dropped or
thrown.

The acceleration of falling objects, given a special symbol, g, is equal

to 9.80 m/s2.

The acceleration due to gravity is the acceleration of an object in free

fall that results from the influence of Earth’s gravity.
Section
3.3 Free Fall
Acceleration Due to Gravity

At the top of the flight, the ball’s velocity is 0 m/s. What would
happen if its acceleration were also zero? Then, the ball’s
velocity would not be changing and would remain at 0 m/s.

If this were the case, the ball would not gain any downward
velocity and would simply hover in the air at the top of its flight.

Because this is not the way objects tossed in the air behave on
Earth, you know that the acceleration of an object at the top of its
flight must not be zero. Further, because you know that the
object will fall from that height, you know that the acceleration
must be downward.
Section
3.3 Free Fall
Acceleration Due to Gravity

Amusement parks use the concept of free fall to design rides

that give the riders the sensation of free fall.

These types of rides usually consist of three parts: the ride to

the top, momentary suspension, and the plunge downward.

When the cars are in free fall, the most massive rider and the
least massive rider will have the same acceleration.
Section
3.3 Free Fall
Acceleration Due to Gravity

Example: Suppose the free-fall ride at an amusement park starts at

rest and is in free fall for 1.5 s. What would be its velocity at the end
of 1.5 s? How far would it fall?

Choose a coordinate system with a positive axis upward and the

origin at the initial position of the car. Because the car starts at rest,
vi would be equal to 0.0 m/s.

Givens: vi = 0.0 m/s, di = 0.0 m, ti = 0.0 s, tf = 1.5 s, a = -9.8 m/s2

Unknown: vf
Section
3.3 Free Fall
Acceleration Due to Gravity

To calculate the final velocity, use the equation for velocity with
constant acceleration.

Equation:

Substitute & Solve:

Sense: Negative velocity means down; units are OK.

Section
3.3 Free Fall
Acceleration Due to Gravity

How far does the car fall? Use the equation for displacement
when time and constant acceleration are known.

Equation:

Substitute & Solve:

Sense: The displacement is negative because it fell, and the

units are meters. Looks good!
Section
3.3 Section Check
Question 1

What is free fall?

Section
3.3 Section Check
Answer 1

Free Fall is the motion of the body when air resistance is negligible
and the action can be considered due to gravity alone.
Section
3.3 Section Check
Question 2

If a stone is thrown vertically upwards with a velocity of 25 m/s, what

will be the velocity of the stone after 1 second?

A. 9.8 m/s

B. 15.2 m/s

C. 25 m/s

D. 34.8 m/s
Section
3.3 Section Check
Answer 2

Answer: B

Reason: Since the ball is thrown upwards, the velocity and

acceleration are in opposite directions, therefore the speed
of the ball decreases. After 1 s, the ball’s velocity is
reduced by 9.8 m/s (as acceleration due to gravity is 9.8
m/s2), so it is now traveling at 25 m/s – 9.8 m/s = 15.2 m/s.
Section
3.3 Section Check
Question 3

If a 50-kg bag and a 100-kg bag are dropped from a height of 50 m.

Which of the following statement is true about their acceleration?
(Neglect air resistance)

A. 100-kg bag will fall with a greater acceleration.

B. 50-kg bag will fall with a greater acceleration.

C. Both will fall at the same and constant rate of acceleration.

D. Both will fall at the same rate of acceleration, which changes

equally as time goes.
Section
3.3 Section Check
Answer 3

Answer: C

Reason: Any body falling freely towards Earth, falls with a same
and constant acceleration of 9.8 m/s2. It doesn’t matter
how much it weighed and what height it was dropped from.
Section
3.3 Free Fall

Exit Ticket – Please write in full sentences.

Describe the velocity and acceleration of a ball

that is tossed in the air and comes back down.
Section
3.3 Free Fall

Practice Problems p.74: 42, 44.

HW 3 handout.
Chapter
3 Physics Chapter 2 & 3 Test Information
The test is worth 42 points total.
Matching : 12 questions, 12 points total
Kinematics: 2 questions, 12 points total
Graphing: 2 questions, 18 points total
Know:
- vocabulary for both chapters
- how to interpret and draw position-time and velocity-time
graphs
- how to use the 3 kinematics equations to solve problems
- how to express answers with correct units and sig figs