What do the negative and positive signs in velocity and momentum indicate?

The sign of the velocity depends on the coordinate system chosen to define the position. A positive velocity simply means that the object is moving in the positive direction, as defined by the coordinate system, while a negative velocity means the object is traveling in the other direction.

What are the variables of kinematics?

Kinematic vari- ables can be used to describe the state of rest or motion of a body, and these variables include the position, velocity, and acceleration of the body under investigation.

What is the first step you should take when solving a motion problem using kinematic equations?

Problem-Solving for Kinematic Equations Identify what you are being asked to find. Then, identify the variables the problem provides. Next, determine which equations connect your known variables to your unknown variable. Then, you can begin solving.

What is sign convention in kinematics?

Sign convention for velocity is normally as follows: Velocity is positive when the body moves in the positive direction of axis. Velocity is negative when the body moves in the negative direction of the axis.

How do you do a sign convention?

Sign convention

1. Object is always placed to the left of mirror.
2. All distances are measured from the pole of the mirror.
3. Distances measured in the direction of the incident ray are positive and the distances measured in the direction opposite to that of the incident rays are negative.

How do you know if momentum is positive or negative?

Momentum is a vector and has the same direction as velocity v. Since mass is a scalar, when velocity is in a negative direction (i.e., opposite the direction of motion), the momentum will also be in a negative direction; and when velocity is in a positive direction, momentum will likewise be in a positive direction.

How do you know if velocity is positive or negative?

Observe that the object below moves in the positive direction with a changing velocity. An object which moves in the positive direction has a positive velocity. If the object is slowing down then its acceleration vector is directed in the opposite direction as its motion (in this case, a negative acceleration).

How do you understand kinematics in physics?

Kinematics is the branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of points, objects and systems of groups of objects, without reference to the causes of motion (i.e., forces ). The study of kinematics is often referred to as the “geometry of motion.” Objects are in motion all around us.