The Kinematic Formulas

Last week we listened to the start of a new idea. We expanded on motion and are now talking about up and down → vertical motion.

We spent a lot of time getting accustomed to objects moving - where they are, how fast they move, what direction that movement is in

And now we’re applying it to objects that are withstanding the force of gravity.

Last week I gave you two equations → the first one was simple. It says v is equal to Vo (initial velocity) + a times t. (acceleration times time)

The other formula was a little more complicated.

The formula says position equals initial position + initial velocity times time plus ½ acceleration times time squared

Y = Yo + vo t + ½ a t^2

To truly use these formulas and to do so successfully, is to understand vertical motion.

Vertical motion is an object moving up or down. I want you to imagine an apple falling from a tree when we are talking about an object falling down. I want you to imagine one of those stomp rockets where you set a little foam rocket on a launcher, attached to a pump that you step on and then the rocket goes up when you stomp. Imagine that rocket when we are talking about an object launching up.