Physics HL · Chapter 1: Kinematics
Chapter 1 Wrap-Up
Consolidate the chapter into a practical solving routine for IB-style motion questions.
Estimated time: 6 minutes
The most reliable kinematics workflow is simple: define coordinates and signs, identify whether acceleration is constant, choose equations or graph tools accordingly, and check whether your answer's sign and magnitude make physical sense.
When acceleration is constant, the standard equation set is fast and powerful. When acceleration varies, move to slope and area reasoning on motion graphs. For two-dimensional launches, decompose into horizontal and vertical components and reconnect with shared time.
- Displacement is endpoint-based; distance is path-based.
- Velocity comes from slope of position-time; displacement comes from area under velocity-time.
- Use constant-acceleration equations only on intervals where acceleration is constant.
- Projectile motion is two linked 1D problems sharing time.
- Drag breaks ideal symmetry and introduces terminal speed behavior.