IB Physics Sub-topic A1 Definitions

This page contains our IB Physics definitions for sub-topic A1. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Physics 'Kinematics & motion'.
acceleration

It is the velocity travelled per unit time or displacement travelled per square unit time

air resistance

The friction air exerts on an object's motion through it

average speed

The speed averaged over the total distance travelled

displacement

It is the net distance an object has travelled from its starting point in a direction

distance

It is the amount of space travelled

drag force

The force fluid resistance exerts on an object

fluid resistance

The friction a fluid exerts on an object's motion through it

free fall

It is when an object falls in the absence of air resistance

instantaneous speed

The speed at a particular point in time

motion

It is the movement of an object

projectile motion

It is when an object is launched into the air in a parabolic path

relative velocity

It is an object's velocity from a frame of reference

speed

It is the distance travelled per unit time

velocity

It is the displacement per unit time

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