Kinematics lessons for Ontario Grade 11 Physics (SPH3U)

In the SPH3U syllabus

1. Lesson 4Scalars vs Vectors

   Current has a direction, so why is it a scalar?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: B3.2 distinguish between, and provide examples of, scalar and vector quantities as they relate to the description of uniform and non-uniform linear motion (e.g., time, distance, position, velocity, acceleration)

2. Lesson 5Distance vs Displacement

   Run a full lap on a 400 m track: is your displacement 400 m or 0?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: B2.5 solve problems involving distance, position, and displacement (e.g., find total displacement using a scale vector diagram and vector components, and compare it to total distance travelled); B2.1 (terminology: distance, position, displacement)

3. Lesson 6Average Speed vs Average Velocity vs Instantaneous Velocity

   Two taxi rides to the same place: 7.5 km in 14 min, or 10 km in 15 min. Which one is faster?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: B3.1 distinguish between the terms constant, instantaneous, and average with reference to speed, velocity, and acceleration, and provide examples to illustrate each term; B2.1 (terminology: speed, velocity)

4. Lesson 9What Is Acceleration? Why It's 180, Not 20

   You gain 30 points in 120 days, your friend gains 10 points in 10 days. Who improved faster?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: B2.3 use a velocity-time graph for constant acceleration to derive ... the equations for displacement [e.g., Δd = ((v1 + v2)/2)Δt, Δd = v1Δt + 1/2 a(Δt^2)], and solve simple problems in one dimension; B2.1 (terminology: acceleration); B2.2 acceleration-time graphs; B3.1 (constant, instantaneous and average acceleration)

Partly in the syllabus

Only part of the lesson is in the syllabus. Each lesson says which part.

1. Lesson 3Instant vs Time Interval

   Is "the 3rd second" a moment or a stretch of time?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: B2.1 use appropriate terminology related to kinematics, including ... time, distance, position, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration; B3.1 distinguish between the terms constant, instantaneous, and average with reference to speed, velocity, and acceleration

   In it: Time is a listed term, and 'instantaneous' versus 'average' is listed for speed, velocity and acceleration. Not in it: Nothing separates an instant of time from a time interval or explains why 'the 3rd second' is a stretch.

2. Lesson 7How to Find Average Velocity of a Multi-Part Trip

   A car covers 1/4 of the trip at 20 m/s and the rest at speed v. The whole-trip average velocity is 16 m/s. What is v?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: B2.3 ... equation for average velocity [vav = (v1 + v2)/2] ... solve simple problems in one dimension; B2.7 solve problems involving uniform and non-uniform linear motion in one and two dimensions, using graphical analysis and algebraic equations; B2.5 (total displacement compared with total distance travelled)

   In it: Average velocity, non-uniform linear motion, and total displacement versus total distance are listed. Not in it: A trip in several parts at different speeds, and working backward to find one part's speed, is not named.

3. Lesson 8How to Find Change in Velocity: Why It's 7, Not 3

   A ball hits the ground at 5 m/s and bounces up at 2 m/s. Is its change in velocity 3 m/s or 7 m/s?

   Syllabus details

   Syllabus: B3.2 (acceleration as a vector quantity in linear motion); B2.6 plan and conduct an inquiry into the motion of objects in one dimension, using vector diagrams and uniform acceleration equations; C3 demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between changes in velocity and unbalanced forces in one dimension (Forces strand)

   In it: Acceleration is a vector, one-dimensional vector diagrams are used, and 'changes in velocity' appear in the Forces strand. Not in it: Finding the signed change in velocity, such as a ball hitting at 5 m/s and rebounding at 2 m/s, has no entry of its own.

Not listed as a separate topic

These are basic ideas that the later lessons build on, so they are still worth watching first.

1. Lesson 1Point Mass (Particle) Explained

   Can a walking cat be treated as a particle?

2. Lesson 2Frame of Reference & Coordinate System

   Sitting still on a speeding subway: are you moving or not?

3. Lesson 10Speeding Up or Slowing Down? Check a and v

   A car's acceleration keeps getting smaller. Is it speeding up or slowing down?