Separate velocity and acceleration
Run trials with matching and opposing directions to explain speeding up and slowing down.
AP Physics 1 · Unit 1 · Kinematics
Constant Acceleration
Change velocity and acceleration, observe a reversal, and connect motion graphs with the constant-acceleration equations.
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Learn by doing
Three ideas you’ll put into motion
Connect the graphs
Measure velocity–time slope and area, then compare the position graph.
Test a prediction
Use the kinematics relationships to predict a motion and check it against the simulation.
The big idea
The key ideas, at a glance.
Equal changes in equal times
Constant acceleration means velocity changes at a steady rate: vf = vi + aΔt. Constant velocity is a different condition.
Displacement during acceleration
Use Δx = viΔt + ½a(Δt)2. The velocity–time area represents that same displacement.
A quick comparison
Keep initial velocity fixed and compare two constant accelerations.
Larger acceleration → steeper velocity graph
Teaching this topic?Classroom fit, AP connections, and support
- Classroom fit
- Use for a concept introduction, guided independent practice, or a projected class discussion.
- Before students begin
- Signed velocity, elapsed time, basic algebra, and the meaning of graph slope.
- Built-in support
- Prepared scenes, guided prompts, and feedback on lesson questions.
- AP Physics 1 connections
- Unit 1: acceleration, motion representations, and constant-acceleration relationships.
- Check for understanding
- Ask whether an object moving left can have positive acceleration, and what happens to its speed.
- Optional extension
- Extend the investigation with the Constant Acceleration lab.
Ready to test your thinking?
The first scene is set up. Start the lesson and explore.