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Kinematics is a fundamental branch of physics. It investigates the motion of objects, specifically the motion’s nature and characteristics, without concern about the reasons behind it. Rigorous research through the ages has provided us with well-defined equations that describe the motion of objects & relate the different factors and variables involved.
If you are a high-school student, expect loads of assignments & homework on kinematics. And, if you have physics and/or mechanics as your majors in college, be ready to tackle many tough problems on this topic. Expert homework help may sometimes become necessary, but intelligent studying can help you overcome most challenges with ease.
Subject matter experts from Tophomeworkhelper.com, USA’s leading physics homework help service, present tips to master kinematics & ace all homework like a pro.
Table of Contents
A Quick Conceptual Overview
Kinematics studies the different characteristics of motion, such as position, displacement, velocity, & acceleration. Problems will have you deal with how different objects behave under motion and investigate the nature of said motion. Expect problems where you have to determine the acceleration of the different parts of an object that break apart as it falls from a height, the decelerating force necessary to put a satellite into a geosynchronous orbit, and the like.
As mentioned, position, displacement, velocity, & acceleration are the key aspects under focus. Kinematic equations apply to bodies undergoing any uni- and multi-dimensional motion. However, the principles of kinematics are not the same for objects and motions of every scale & speed. Kinematic principles of Newtonian motion are not applicable when speeds violate Newtonian laws, and the scales of the objects involved are extremely small.
The four major equations in kinematics are as follows: à
The subscripts i and f denote initial & final states, and x, v, a, and t are position, velocity, acceleration & time respectively. Note that the above equations hold only in the case of Newtonian motion and when acceleration is constant.
Next are some tips on cracking problems on one-dimensional motion using the kinematics equations.
How to Solve Kinematics Problem Easily?
Most problems with one-dimensional motion are the same. The basic steps involve à
- Writing down all the quantities/variables associated with the problem
- Understanding what needs to be found out and determining the best approach
- Identifying the equation/s that solve the problem ideally
- Putting the values into the equations and solving the resultant algebraic expressions
Make sure to take all quantities/variables into consideration. Look out for hidden, subtly implied, seemingly irrelevant quantities. And pay close attention to sign conventions.
Calculating kinematics for 2-D & 3-D (linear, circular, or combination) motions can seem trickier. You have to think about the two and three-dimensional components of a motion and its features, namely, X, Y, and (for 3-D motion) Z components of displacement, velocity, & acceleration. However, the approach for solving any kinematic problem, irrespective of the nature of the dimensionality of the motion.
Here’s one very effective approach to cracking any kinematics problem.
- Understand & Identify the Problem Type
Any problem that asks you to determine the features of a motion without caring about the causes is a kinematic problem. Sometimes, you may find a kinematics problem masquerading as an energy problem. Also, do not get confused when encountering problems in 2D or 3D.
- Visualize and Draw a Diagram
Think about the problem scenario. Visualize it and try to draw a tentative diagram. Your diagram should picture the motion path or the object under study. Label everything minutely and mark all key points, lines, etc., on the diagram.
In the case of multi-dimensional kinematics, make sure to work on and relate the right component. Label all vectors, divide them into the necessary components, and list them in a table for your convenience.
- Develop Necessary Expressions
Next, select the right relations/equations that best fit/describe the given problem scenario. If you successfully select the most appropriate equation, you will solve the problem correctly in just a few steps.
Choosing the right equation for a problem is the greatest challenge in kinematics. And the best way to do so is to understand the problem minutely, knowing what answer you need and how best to find that answer. Once everything’s in place, it’s time to solve the algebraic expressions. In the case of multi-dimensional motion, you will have to solve the different components of motion in tandem.
Revise your answers and determine if they make sense when placed in the problem’s context. Look back at the process & approach you use and then apply it to other similar & more challenging sums. Think of the things that aid in identifying a sum as a kinematics problem.
And, those were some insights on acing your kinematics homework in physics. Follow the tips here intently and practice solving different sums routinely. Look for professional physics homework help services such as Tophomeworkhelper.com in case of any expert aid.
All the best!
