BSc Physics Notes TU 1st year– Unit 1: Kinematics

Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. It helps us describe how objects move in terms of position, velocity, and acceleration.

1. Types of Motion

Translational Motion: Movement in a straight or curved line.

Rotational Motion: Spinning around an axis.

Oscillatory Motion: Back and forth repetitive motion.

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2. Scalars vs Vectors

Scalar: Quantities with magnitude only (e.g., speed, time, mass).

Vector: Quantities with magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity, displacement).

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3. Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration

Displacement (): Change in position.

Velocity (): Rate of change of displacement.

\vec{v} = \frac{d\vec{x}}{dt}

\vec{a} = \frac{d\vec{v}}{dt}

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4. Equations of Motion (Constant Acceleration)

\begin{align*}

v &= u + at \\

s &= ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2 \\

v^2 &= u^2 + 2as

\end{align*}

 = initial velocity

 = final velocity

 = acceleration

 = time

 = displacement

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5. Graphical Analysis

Graphs such as:

Displacement-Time Graph (slope gives velocity)

Velocity-Time Graph (slope gives acceleration)

Area under Velocity-Time Graph = Displacement