Mathematical modelling of motion in one

dimension
ALL kinematics problems (for constantly
accelerating bodies) may be solved using the
following two vector equations:
   2
r (t) = r0 + v 0 t + 1
2
at
  
v (t) = v 0 + a t
Mathematical modelling of motion in one
dimension
The vector equations may be reduced to scalar
equations if we consider only one dimension:

r ( t )  s( t )  s0  v0 s t  12 a s t 2 ...
2
or s f  si  v0 s t  as t 1
2

v ( t )  v s ( t )  v0 s  as t ... or v fs  vis  as t
In addition, the following scalar equation may be
used – however use with caution! Remember that
the signs are important as they represent direction.
2 2
v  v  2a s s
fs is
 1D Kinematics
   1 2
r (t) = r0 + v 0 t + 2a
t

In our 3D (x,y,z) coordinate system:

   
r  x  y  z  xî  yĵ  zk̂

Along the x-axis with unit vector î :

    2
x (t) = xo + v ox t + 1
2
ax t
 Graphical representations of constantly accelerated motion

x(t) vx(t) Straight ax(t)

line –
constant
parabola slope Constant line –
zero slope

t t t
x(t )  xo  v0 xt  12 ax t 2
d d
dt
x (t ) 
dt
 xo  v0 xt  12 a xt 2  vx (t )  v0 x  ax t

d d
vx (t )  v0 x  ax t   ax ax = constant (no time-dependence)
dt dt
Deriving the equations of motion for constantly accelerated motion

Area under ax-t curve = change in velocity (Δvx)

ax(t)
For constant acceleration:
Area = ax × Δt
⇒ Δvx = ax × Δt
⇒ vfx − vix = ax × Δt

ti tf t ⇒ vfx = vix + axΔt

Deriving the equations of motion for constantly accelerated motion

vx(t) Area under vx-t curve = change in position (Δx)

vfx For constant acceleration: Area = rectangle +

triangle (trapezium)

⇒ Δx = (vix×Δt) + ½(Δt)(vfx − vix )

vix But ... vfx= vix + axΔt (previous slide)

t ⇒ Δx = vixΔt + ½ axΔt2
ti tf
Or ... xf = xi + vixΔt + ½ ax Δt2
A car moves along a straight road.
The graph below shows the position position
of the car as a function of time.
The graph shows that the car:

A speeds up all the time

B slows down all the time
time
C moves forward at constant
velocity
D moves backward at constant
velocity
The graph shows position as a
function of time for two trains position
running on parallel tracks.
Which is true:

A At time t1 both trains have the

same velocity. t1 time
B Both trains speed up all the
time.
C Both trains have the same
velocity at some time before t1.
D Both trains have the same
velocity at some time after t1.
 Motion in one dimension
The example of the vertically propelled ball

A ball is thrown is thrown vertically upwards at 19.6 m s-1

from a window 156.8 m above the ground. The ball rises to
some maximum height and then falls past the window and
onto the ground. How long does it take for the ball to reach
the ground after being thrown upward? What was the
displacement of the ball when it reaches the ground?
Implement the full KPSS for one-dimensional motion to solve
the problem. Use the graphs and equations of motion.
 Sketch of the situation
Approach 1 y ?Main physical features to describe?
? Mathematical form to model features?
 
v 0 y  19.6 jms-1 a y  9.8(  j)ms - 2

• Initial velocity is 19.6 ms−1 upward

window
• Ball starts off 156.8 m above ground
• Force of gravity acting down on ball
throughout the motion
y 0  156.8 jm • Ignore air resistance.
156.8 m

ĵ
ground
origin