IP Physics Notes (Upper Secondary, Year 3-4): 2) Kinematics

Q: What does IP Physics Notes (Upper Secondary, Year 3-4): 2) Kinematics cover?
A: Scalar vs vector travel, kinematics graphs, free fall, and the SUVAT toolkit for IP Year 3-4 problems.

Quick recap -- Recognise scalar vs vector motion, read gradients/areas off kinematics graphs, treat free fall as constant acceleration, and deploy the correct SUVAT equation based on the knowns you have.

Keep your practice loop tight via our IP Physics tuition hub-it links each topic here to quizzes, diagnostics, and WA-style problem sets.

Scalars, Vectors & Core Definitions

• Distance (scalar) vs displacement (vector) -- displacement carries direction.
• Speed (scalar) vs velocity (vector) -- velocity specifies direction.
• Acceleration: rate of change of velocity, $a = \dfrac{v - u}{t}$.
• Average speed