Your First Equation
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 2 of 97.
Every quantity in a problem gets a letter: the distance is d, the time is t and the speed is v. The rule that connects them, in letters:
It says: the speed is the distance divided by the time.
The board asks for the rule in letters first, never the numbers: v = d / t, not v = 150 / 10. The same rule then works for every problem, and you can see which quantity went where.
Then, in Solve, the numbers go in and you work it out: v = 150 / 10 = 15. The last line needs its unit, because 15 alone does not say 15 what: v = .
Challenge
A cart rolls in . How fast does it roll? Call its speed v.
Try it yourself
Solve for
This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
4Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge7Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target10Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster13Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track16Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator2Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force