Kinematics
Find these readings by topic
This earlier reading list remains available with its complete tasks. The current book places these resources in the following topic chapters:
- Motion and vectors →
Describe the same motion with signed vectors, graphs, equations, and a stated reference frame.
Describe motion with representations, vectors, and quantitative models.
Use the sections below to build the models in this unit. The AP course lessons provide topic-specific instruction and practice; companion readings offer additional explanations and original interactive quizzes.
- 1.1 Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension ↗
Put a direction on motion, add signed vectors, and keep distance separate from displacement.
- 1.2 Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration ↗
Connect endpoints, elapsed time, average motion, and the meaning of an instantaneous measurement.
- 1.3 Representing Motion ↗
Tell the same motion story with diagrams, equations, slopes, and signed areas.
- 1.4 Reference Frames and Relative Motion ↗
Translate one-dimensional velocity measurements between observers without changing the physical event.
- 1.5 Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions ↗
Resolve components and build a projectile model with one shared clock.
Put the unit together
The unit practice ends with 4 additional problems. Build the diagrams and explain the model before checking the separate reasoning and scoring criteria.
Try the added unit problems → · Worked solutions and rubrics →