Physics · College

College Physics: Mechanics

Calculus-based mechanics concepts including kinematics, Newton's laws, and rotational dynamics for a college physics sequence, distinct from the AP-level decks.

40 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.

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What is the definition of displacement?
The change in position; a vector quantity
What is the difference between distance and displacement?
Distance is total path length traveled (scalar); displacement is change in position (vector)
State the kinematic equation for velocity when time is unknown.
v^2 = v0^2 + 2a(x - x0)
What is instantaneous velocity?
The derivative of position with respect to time; velocity at a specific instant
What is average acceleration?
Change in velocity divided by change in time
State Newton's first law.
An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a net force
State Newton's second law.
The net force on an object equals its mass times its acceleration (F = ma)
State Newton's third law.
If object A exerts a force on object B, then object B exerts an equal and opposite force on object A
What is the SI unit of force?
Newton (N), equivalent to kg·m/s^2
What is inertia?
The tendency of an object to resist changes in its motion; directly related to mass
How is work defined in physics?
Force applied in the direction of motion times the displacement (W = F·d·cos(theta))
What is kinetic energy?
The energy of motion; KE = (1/2)mv^2
What is gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface?
PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is height
State the work-energy theorem.
The net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy
What is power?
The rate at which work is done; P = W/t or P = F·v

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