Motion in One Dimension

Objectives
• analyze the motion of objects along a straight line

• calculate and differentiate between average and

instantaneous velocity

• solve for instantaneous velocity using differential calculus

 Position, Velocity and Speed
Position of the Car at Various
times The displacement, Δ𝒙 of a
Position t (s) x (m) particle is the change in
A 0 30 position in a given time
B 10 52 interval.
C 20 38
D 30 0
E 40 -37
∆𝑥 = 𝑥𝑓 − 𝑥𝑖
F 50 -53
 Position, Velocity and Speed
60
B The average velocity, 𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 of a
particles is defined as the particle’s
40 ∆x
displacement divided by the time
A
∆t interval during which that
20
displacement occurs.
x (m)

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

∆𝑥
-20
𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
-40
∆𝑡
-60 t (s)
 Position of the Car at Various
Position, Velocity and Speed times

60 Position t (s) x (m)

B
∆𝑥 A 0 30
40 ∆x 𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = B 10 52
A
∆t
∆𝑡 C 20 38
20
D 30 0
E 40 -37
x (m)

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
F 50 -53

-20

-40
52 − 30 𝑚
𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = = 2.2 𝑚/𝑠
10 − 0 𝑠

-60 t (s)
Slope of the line
 Sample Problem
60
B
Find the displacement
and the average 40 ∆x Position of the Car at Various
A times
velocity of the car in 20
∆t
Position t (s) x (m)
the figure between A 0 30
positions A and F.

x (m)
0 B 10 52
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
C 20 38
∆𝑥 = 𝑥𝑓 − 𝑥𝑖
-20
∆𝑥 = −53 − 30 = −83𝑚 D 30 0
E 40 -37
∆𝑥 -40
𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = F 50 -53
∆𝑡
−83𝑚
𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = = −1.66𝑚/𝑠 -60 t (s)
50 − 0
Position, Velocity and Speed
Instantaneous velocity, 𝒗𝒙 describes the
velocity of a particle in a precise instant.
Sample problem
A cheetah is crouched 20 m to the east of a vehicle. At time t = 0 the
cheetah begins to run due east toward an antelope that is 50 m to the east
of the vehicle. During the first 2.0 s of the chase, the cheetah’s x-coordinate
varies with time according to the equation x = 20 m + (5.0 m/s2)t2. (a) Find
the cheetah’s displacement between t1 = 1.0 s and t2 = 2.0 s. (b) Find its
average velocity during that interval. (c) Find its instantaneous velocity at t1
= 1.0 s by taking Δt = 0.1 s, then 0.01 s, then 0.001 s. (d) Derive an
expression for the cheetah’s instantaneous velocity as a function of time,
and use it to find 𝑣𝑥 at t = 1.0 s and t = 2.0 s.
Sample Problem
Sample Problem
(a) Find the cheetah’s displacement between t1 = 1.0 s and t2 = 2.0 s.
𝑚 2
𝑥 = 20𝑚 + (5 2 )𝑡
𝑠
𝑚 2 𝑚 2
𝑥1 = 20𝑚 + 5 2 1 = 25𝑚 𝑥2 = 20𝑚 + 5 2 2 = 40𝑚
𝑠 𝑠

∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1 = 40𝑚 − 25𝑚 = 15𝑚

(b) Find its average velocity during that interval.

𝑥2 − 𝑥1 40𝑚 − 25𝑚 𝑚
𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = = = 15
𝑡2 − 𝑡1 2𝑠 − 1𝑠 𝑠
Sample Problem
(c) Find its instantaneous velocity at t1 = 1.0 s by taking Δt = 0.1 s, then
0.01 s, then 0.001 s.
𝑚 𝑥2 − 𝑥1 26.05𝑚 − 25𝑚 𝑚
𝑥2 = 20𝑚 + 5 2 1.12 = 26.05𝑚 𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = = = 10.5
𝑠 𝑡2 − 𝑡1 1.1𝑠 − 1𝑠 𝑠

∆𝑡 = 0.01, 𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 10.05

∆𝑡 = 0.001, 𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 10.005

Sample Problem
(d) Derive an expression for the cheetah’s instantaneous velocity as a
function of time, and use it to find 𝑣𝑥 at t = 1.0 s and t = 2.0 s.
𝑑𝑥 𝑑
𝑣𝑥 = = 20𝑚 + 5𝑚/𝑠 2 𝑡 2
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

𝑣𝑥 = 0 + 5𝑚/𝑠 2 2𝑡 = 10𝑚/𝑠 2 𝑡

𝑎𝑡 𝑡 = 1𝑠, 𝑣𝑥 = 10𝑚/𝑠

𝑎𝑡 𝑡 = 2𝑠, 𝑣𝑥 = 20𝑚/𝑠
Analysis Model
An analysis model is a common situation that occurs time
and again when solving physics problems.

The form of an analysis model can either be a description of

a. the behaviour of some physical entity or
b. the interaction between that entity and the environment
Analysis Model
Particle Under Constant Velocity ,
∆𝑥 ∆𝑥
𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = at constant velocity, 𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 𝑣𝑥 , so 𝑣𝑥 =
∆𝑡 ∆𝑡

since Δ𝑥 = 𝑥𝑓 − 𝑥𝑖 , then 𝑣𝑥 = 𝑥𝑓 − 𝑥𝑖 Δ𝑡

by rearranging, the equation becomes 𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥Δ𝑡

𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥Δ𝑡 (for constant 𝑣𝑥 )

Analysis Model
Particle Under Constant Velocity ∆𝑥
Graphical Representation 𝑣𝑥 =
∆𝑡

𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥Δ𝑡

the motion is taking place

at “fixed speed”
Sample problem
The velocity of a runner running along a straight line at a constant rate
was recorded by starting the stopwatch at the moment the runner
passes a given point and stopping it once she has passed another
points 20m away. The time interval indicated on the stopwatch is 4.0s.
(a) What is the runner’s velocity?
Sample problem
(b) If the runner continues his motion after the stopwatch is stopped,
what is his position 10s after the stopwatch was stopped?

𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥 ∆𝑡 𝑚
𝑥𝑓 = 0 + 5 ∗ 14𝑠 = 𝟕𝟎𝒎
𝑠
Analysis Model
Particle Under Constant Speed Along a Curved Path
A change in the direction of motion of a particle signifies a
change in the velocity of a particle even though its speed is
constant.
𝑑
𝑣=
∆𝑡
i.e. for a circular path,
2𝜋𝑟
𝑣=
∆𝑡
Acceleration
• A particle is said to be accelerating when its velocity
changes with time.
Acceleration
The SI unit of acceleration is m/s2.

Average acceleration

∆𝑣𝑥 𝑣𝑥𝑓 − 𝑣𝑥𝑖

𝑎𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = =
∆𝑡 𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑖
Acceleration
• Instantaneous acceleration is the limit of the average acceleration as
Δ𝑡 approached zero.

Slope of tangent = instantaneous acceleration

Acceleration

𝑑𝑣𝑥 𝑑 𝑑𝑥 𝑑2 𝑥
𝑎𝑥 = = = 2
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

In one-dimensional motion, the acceleration

(instantaneous) of a particle equals the
second derivative of x (particle’s position)
with respect to time
Acceleration
At tA: acceleration is at maximum
because the slope of the velocity-
time graph is at maximum

At tB: acceleration is zero when the

velocity is at maximum

At tC: acceleration reaches its most

negative value as velocity decreases
(maximum negative slope)
Acceleration
NEGATIVE ACCELERATION
Negative acceleration does not necessarily mean that the object is
slowing down.
acceleration (+) , velocity (+) object is speeding up to the (+) direction
acceleration (-) , velocity (-) object is speeding up to the (-) direction
acceleration (+), velocity (-) object is slowing down
acceleration (-), velocity (+) object is slowing down
Acceleration
 Sample Problem
Suppose the x-velocity 𝑣𝑥 of the car in the figure at any time t is given by the equation
𝑚
𝑣𝑥 = 60 + 0.5𝑚/𝑠 3 𝑡 2
𝑠

(a) Find the change in x-velocity of the car in the time interval t1 = 1.0 s
to t2 = 3.0 s. (b) Find the average x-acceleration in this time interval.
 Sample Problem
(a) Find the change in x-velocity of the car in the time interval t1 = 1.0 s
to t2 = 3.0 s.
𝑚
𝑣1𝑥 = 60 + 0.5𝑚/𝑠 3 1𝑠 2
= 60.5 𝑚/𝑠
𝑠
𝑚
𝑣2𝑥 = 60 + 0.5𝑚/𝑠 3 3𝑠 2
= 64.5 𝑚/𝑠
𝑠
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
∆𝑣𝑥 = 𝑣2𝑥 − 𝑣1𝑥 = 64.5 − 60.5 = 4.
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠
(b) Find the average x-acceleration in this time interval.
𝑣2𝑥 − 𝑣1𝑥 4 𝑚/𝑠
𝑎𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = = = 2 𝑚/𝑠 2
𝑡2 − 𝑡1 2𝑠
 Sample Problem
Suppose the x-velocity 𝑣𝑥 of the car in the figure at any time t is given by the equation
𝑚
𝑣𝑥 = 60 + 0.5𝑚/𝑠 3 𝑡 2
𝑠

(c) Find the instantaneous x-acceleration at time t1 = 1.0 s by taking

Δt to be first 0.1 s, then 0.01 s, then 0.001 s. (d) Derive an expression
for the instantaneous x-acceleration as a function of time, and use it to
find 𝑎𝑥 at t = 1.0 s and t = 3.0 s.
Sample Problem
(c) Find the instantaneous x-acceleration at time t1 = 1.0 s by taking
Δt to be first 0.1 s, then 0.01 s, then 0.001 s.
𝑚
𝑣2𝑥 = 60 + 0.5𝑚/𝑠 3 1.1𝑠 2 = 60.605 𝑚/𝑠
𝑠
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
∆𝑣𝑥 = 𝑣2𝑥 − 𝑣1𝑥 = 60.605 − 60.5 = 0.105
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠
𝑣2𝑥 − 𝑣1𝑥 0.105 𝑚/𝑠
𝑎𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = = = 1.05 𝑚/𝑠 2
𝑡2 − 𝑡1 0.1𝑠

Δt = 0.01 s ; 𝑎𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 1.005 𝑚/𝑠 2

Δt = 0.001 s ; 𝑎𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 1.0005 𝑚/𝑠 2
𝑎𝑥 = 1 𝑚/𝑠 2
Sample Problem
(d) Derive an expression for the instantaneous x-acceleration as a
function of time, and use it to find 𝑎𝑥 at t = 1.0 s and t = 3.0 s.

𝑑𝑣𝑥 𝑑 𝑚
𝑎𝑥 = = 60 + 0.5𝑚/𝑠 3 𝑡𝑠 2 = 1 𝑚/𝑠 3 𝑡
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑠

When t = 1s

𝑎𝑥 = 1 𝑚/𝑠 3 1𝑠 = 1 𝑚/𝑠 2

When t = 3s

𝑎𝑥 = 1 𝑚/𝑠 3 3𝑠 = 3 𝑚/𝑠 2
Analysis model
PARTICLE UNDER CONSTANT ACCELERATION
𝑎𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 𝑎𝑥 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠

consider 𝑡𝑖=0 and 𝑡𝑓 to be any later time 𝑡 then

𝑣𝑓 − 𝑣𝑖 𝑣𝑓 − 𝑣𝑖
𝑎𝑥 = =
𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑖 𝑡𝑓 − 0
rearranging,

𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑎𝑥 𝑡 for constant acceleration

Analysis Model

At constant 𝑎𝑥 , velocity varies

linearly in time

𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑓
𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
2
Analysis Model
PARTICLE UNDER CONSTANT ACCELERATION
𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑓
𝑣𝑥,𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
2

1
𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑓 𝑡
2
Analysis Model
PARTICLE UNDER CONSTANT ACCELERATION
1 𝑣𝑥𝑓 = 𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 𝑎𝑥 𝑡

2 1
𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑓 𝑡
2
derived from 1 and 2

2 2
3 𝑣𝑥𝑓 = 𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 2𝑎𝑥 𝑥𝑓 − 𝑥𝑖
1
4 𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑖 𝑡 + 𝑎𝑥 𝑡 2
2
Sample Problem
A motorcyclist heading east through a small town accelerates at
a constant 4.0 m/s2 after he leaves the city limits. At time t = 0
he is 5.0 m east of the city-limits signpost while he moves east
at 15 m/s. (a) Find his position and velocity at t = 2.0 s. (b)
Where is he when his speed is 25 m/s?
Sample Problem
(a) Find his position and velocity at t = 2.0 s.

1
𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑖 𝑡 + 𝑎𝑥 𝑡 2
2
1
= 5𝑚 + 15𝑚/𝑠 2𝑠 + 4𝑚/𝑠 2 2𝑠 2 = 43𝑚
2

𝑣𝑥𝑓 = 𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 𝑎𝑥 𝑡

= 15 𝑚/𝑠 + 4𝑚/𝑠 2 2𝑠 = 23 𝑚/𝑠

Sample Problem
(b) Where is he when his speed is 25 m/s?

2 2
𝑣𝑥𝑓 = 𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 2𝑎𝑥 𝑥𝑓 − 𝑥𝑖

2 2
𝑣𝑥𝑓 − 𝑣𝑥𝑖
𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 +
2𝑎𝑥

25𝑚/𝑠 2 − 15𝑚/𝑠 2
= 5𝑚 + = 55𝑚
2 4𝑚/𝑠 2
Sample Problem
A motorist traveling at a constant 15 m/s (54 km/h, or about 34 mi/h) passes a
school crossing where the speed limit is 10 m/s (36 km/h, or about 22 mi/h).
Just as the motorist passes the school-crossing sign, a police officer on a
motorcycle stopped there starts in pursuit with constant acceleration 3.0 m/s2.
(a) How much time elapses before the officer passes the motorist? At that time,
(b) what is the officer’s speed and (c) how far has each vehicle traveled?
Sample Problem
Sample Problem
(a) How much time elapses before the officer passes the motorist?
Free-falling Bodies
For a body in free-fall,
all objects are dropped with the same constant
downward acceleration (9.8 m/s2) under the influence of
the Earth’s gravity

assuming that:
• air resistance is neglected
• slight variations in gas latitude changes is neglected
Free-falling Bodies
Free-falling Bodies
For Free-fall,
Motion is in 𝑦 and 𝑎𝑦 = −𝑔

𝑣𝑥𝑓 = 𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 𝑎𝑥 𝑡 𝑣𝑦𝑓 = 𝑣𝑦𝑖 − 𝑔𝑡

1 1
𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑓 𝑡 𝑦𝑓 = 𝑦𝑖 + 𝑣𝑦𝑖 + 𝑣𝑦𝑓 𝑡
2 2

2 2 2 2
𝑣𝑥𝑓 = 𝑣𝑥𝑖 + 2𝑎𝑥 𝑥𝑓 − 𝑥𝑖 𝑣𝑦𝑓 = 𝑣𝑦𝑖 − 2𝑔 𝑦𝑓 − 𝑦𝑖
1 1 2
𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑖 𝑡 + 𝑎𝑥 𝑡 2 𝑦𝑓 = 𝑦𝑖 + 𝑣𝑦𝑖 𝑡 − 𝑔𝑡
2 2
Sample Problem
A one-euro coin is dropped from the Leaning Tower of Pisa and falls freely from
rest. What are its position and velocity after 1.0 s, 2.0 s, and 3.0 s? Ignore air
resistance.

1 2 1 𝑚
𝑦𝑓 = 𝑦𝑖 + 𝑣𝑦𝑖 𝑡 + 𝑔𝑡 = 0 + 0 + −9.81 2 1𝑠 = −4.905𝑚
2 2 𝑠
𝑚 𝑚
𝑣𝑦𝑓 = 𝑣𝑦𝑖 + 𝑔𝑡 = 0 + −9.81 2 1𝑠 = −9.81
𝑠 𝑠

When t = 2s, 𝑦 = −19.62 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣𝑦 = −19.62 𝑚/𝑠

When t = 3s, 𝑦 = −44.145 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣𝑦 = −29.43 𝑚/𝑠

Sample Problem
You throw a ball vertically upward from the roof of a tall building. The ball leaves
your hand at a point even with the roof railing with an upward speed of 15.0 m/s;
the ball is then in free fall. (We ignore air resistance.) On its way back down, it just
misses the railing.
Find (a) the ball’s position and velocity 1.00 s and 4.00 s after leaving your hand;
(b) the ball’s velocity when it is 5.00 m above the railing;
(c) the maximum height reached;
(d) the ball’s acceleration when it is at its maximum height.
Sample Problem