This text is meant to accompany class discussions. It is not everything there is to know about uniform circular motion. It is meant as a prep for class. More detailed notes and examples are given in the class notes, presentations, and demonstrations (click here.)
Click for the questions that go with this reading
Velocity
Velocity is defined as how quickly a body changes position in a direction. It is a vector. This means it has direction and magnitude. Direction is indicated with a "+" or "-" sign for now.
Notice that a higher velocity yields a greater change in position. (40 miles versus 20 miles) Velocity is used to calculate the change in postion.
The the unit of velocity are:
Δ means the "change in... whatever variable follows the "Delta" symbol. "x" stands for position. so "Δx" stands for the change in position. The term "change in position is used so much that the word "displacement" is often used instead of the phrase "change in position." The displacement
difference between the initial and final positions of a body. The path the body does not matter.
displacement = final position - initial position
displacement = xfinal - xinitial
displacement = –5m –(5m) = –10 m
The distance the body the actually traveled to get to the final position does no matter when looking for it's displacement.
Example
In a race an athlete is traveling at a constant velocity of 10 m/s. After 6 seconds how far will the runner have traveled?
Givens
v = 10 m/s
Solution
by Tony Wayne ...(If you are a teacher, please feel free to use these resources in your teaching.)
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