Kinematic Equations

The Intro to Kinematic Equations Video Tutorial introduces the kinematic equations - the "BIG 4". The video discusses: the meaning of the symbols, the variety of forms that the equations may take, the use of initial conditions to simplify the equations, the importance of +/- signs, and a step-by-step strategy for using the equations (with one example).

The video lesson answers the following questions:

1. What are the four kinematic equations and what do the symbols of the equations mean?
2. How are the kinematic equations used to solve problems?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Calculator Pad, Kinematics Section, Problems #18-35
Sometime before your first assessment, you will need to carry out some independent practice. And here's a great place to do it. You will find problems, answers, and an audio file that guides you through the solution process (if you need it).

The Review Session, Kinematics Section, Questions #43-50
Need more practice? Let this be your next stop. Questions 43-50 require the use of the kinematic equations to solve a problem. There is an answer/solution page that can be used to check your answers.

The Physics Classroom Tutorial, 1D-Kinematics Chapter, Lesson 6
Our Tutorial always serves as a reliable and readable reference for brushing up on your understanding.

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner: 1D-Kinematics Section
Don't overlook our Curriculum Corner. It is the in-the-trenches curriculum on our website and coordinates well with the Tutorial and other sections. It includes a variety of classroom-ready Think Sheets that can be used with your classes. We have a page titled Motion Problems with nine problems to solve. Great in-class work.

Calculator Pad, Kinematics Section, Problems #18-35
When it comes to problem-solving, the Calculator Pad is our go-to-resource. For all topics addressed at The Physics Classroom, you will find a collection of problems that require the use of physics formulae to solve. Each problem is accompanied by an answer and an audio-guided help file that describes the solution.

The Review Session, Kinematics Section, Questions #43-50
The Review Session is intended as a tool to help students prepare for quizzes and tests. This tool consists of many questions of varied type along with answers, explanations, and solutions to problems. Questions #43-50 require the use of the kinematic equations.

The Physics Classroom Tutorial, 1D-Kinematics Chapter, Lesson 6
Our Tutorial section serves as a textbook of sorts, with highly-readable pages that address the meaning of most topics covered in a first-year Physics course. Many teachers link to our Tutorial from their course page.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.