Lesson Plan

State the five kinematic equations for constant acceleration and identify which variable each one omits

Relate each kinematic equation to a graph whose slope equals the relevant rate (velocity, acceleration)

Explain why displacement-vs-time is curved while 2d-vs-t² is a straight line for constant acceleration

Apply a knowns/unknowns problem-solving procedure to select and use the appropriate kinematic equation

Apply g = −9.80 m/s² as the constant acceleration of free fall and interpret position, velocity, and acceleration vs time graphs for a thrown object

3.2

"The kinematic equations that we will be using apply to conditions of constant acceleration, except where noted, and show how these concepts are related. Constant acceleration is acceleration that does not change over time." "Note that this third kinematic equation does not have displacement in it. Therefore, if you do not know the displacement and are not trying to solve for a displacement, this equation might be a good one to use." "This equation is useful for when we do not know, or do not need to know, the time." "When air resistance is not a factor, all objects near Earth's surface fall with an acceleration of about $9.80 \text{ m/s}^2$. ... The value of $9.80 \text{ m/s}^2$ is labeled g and is referred to as acceleration due to gravity. ... When using g for the acceleration a in a kinematic equation, it is usually given a negative sign because the acceleration due to gravity is downward." "The a vs. t plot also shows that acceleration is constant; that is, it does not change with time."