UPCAT Physics — Kinematics & Speed, Velocity, AccelerationSlides
Presentation-style slides for Kinematics & Speed, Velocity, Acceleration — the fastest way to cover the chapter if you are reviewing on your phone between classes or shifts. Covers everything University of the Philippines tests on this chapter in the UPCAT Physics subtest.
Exam context
For the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, University of the Philippines tests Physics under a "Core" label, with Kinematics & Speed, Velocity, Acceleration in the 2nd slot across 6 chapters. UPCAT candidates must clear the UPG ≤ 2.2 typical cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 20 Physics questions. Date to watch: Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions).
Kinematics & Speed, Velocity, Acceleration - Slides
Kinematics is the branch of physics that describes the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion. In this chapter, we will explore the fundamental concepts of speed, velocity, and acceleration - the building blocks for understanding how objects move in our world. These concepts are essential for UPCAT and other college entrance exams, as they form the foundation for more advanced physics topics.
Slides
Introduction to Kinematics
Kinematics allows us to describe and predict how objects move. Whether it's a jeepney traveling down EDSA or a basketball being shot into a hoop, the same principles apply.
Notes
Emphasize that kinematics is purely descriptive - we're not asking WHY things move, just HOW they move.
Topic
Introduction to Kinematics
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S1
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mermaid
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1
Mermaid Diagram
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mindmap root((Kinematics)) Motion Description Position Displacement Distance Rate of Motion Speed Velocity Change in Motion Acceleration Deceleration Applications Transportation Sports Engineering
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the main components and applications of kinematics
Distance vs Displacement
Think of walking around a school quadrangle. Your distance might be 400 meters (the perimeter), but your displacement could be zero if you return to your starting point.
Notes
Use familiar locations like school campus or local landmarks to make the concept relatable.
Topic
Distance and Displacement
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S2
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mermaid
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2
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart LR A[Starting Point] -->|Path 1: 300m| B[End Point] A -->|Path 2: 500m via detour| B A -.->|Displacement: 200m direct| B style A fill:#e1f5fe style B fill:#e8f5e8
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Diagram showing how different paths (distance) can lead to the same displacement between two points
Understanding Speed
Speed tells us how fast an object is moving regardless of direction. It's the rate at which distance is covered over time.
Notes
Emphasize unit conversion between m/s and km/h as this often appears in exams.
Topic
Speed
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S3
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mermaid
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3
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[fa:fa-calculator Speed Calculation] --> B[Distance Traveled] A --> C[Time Taken] B --> D[Speed = Distance ÷ Time] C --> D D --> E[fa:fa-check Result in m/s or km/h] style D fill:#fff3e0
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing the process of calculating speed from distance and time
Speed Formula and Calculations
The speed formula is fundamental in physics. Remember that average speed considers the entire journey, while instantaneous speed is like reading a speedometer at one moment.
Notes
Practice unit conversions as these are common sources of errors in exams.
Topic
Speed Calculations
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S4
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mermaid
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4
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Given Information] --> B[Distance = 12 km] A --> C[Time = 30 min = 0.5 h] B --> D[fa:fa-calculator Apply Formula] C --> D D --> E[Speed = 12 km ÷ 0.5 h] E --> F[Speed = 24 km/h] style F fill:#e8f5e8
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Step-by-step calculation example showing how to find speed using the basic formula
Understanding Velocity
Velocity is speed with direction. Two cars moving at 60 km/h have the same speed, but if one goes north and the other south, they have different velocities.
Notes
Emphasize that direction is crucial for velocity - use compass directions or positive/negative conventions.
Topic
Velocity
Slide Id
S5
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mermaid
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5
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Speed: 60 km/h] --> B[Just magnitude] C[Velocity: 60 km/h North] --> D[Magnitude + Direction] B --> E[fa:fa-circle Scalar Quantity] D --> F[fa:fa-arrow-right Vector Quantity] style E fill:#ffe0b2 style F fill:#e1f5fe
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Comparison between speed (scalar) and velocity (vector) showing the importance of direction
Velocity Formula and Examples
Unlike speed, velocity can be zero even when an object is moving. If you run around a track and return to your starting point, your average velocity is zero.
Notes
Use the round trip example to clarify the difference between distance and displacement effects on speed vs velocity.
Topic
Velocity Calculations
Slide Id
S6
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mermaid
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6
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant S as Start Position participant M as Midpoint participant E as End Position S->>M: +50m displacement Note over M: Positive velocity M->>E: +50m displacement Note over E: Total displacement = +100m E-->>S: Return journey Note over S: Net displacement = 0m
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence showing how displacement and velocity relate in a round trip journey
Introduction to Acceleration
Acceleration describes how quickly velocity changes. When a jeepney starts from rest and reaches 20 m/s in 10 seconds, it's accelerating at 2 m/s².
Notes
Connect acceleration to everyday experiences like riding in vehicles or elevators.
Topic
Acceleration Introduction
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S7
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mermaid
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7
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> Rest: Initial state Rest --> Accelerating: Apply force Accelerating --> ConstantVelocity: Remove force ConstantVelocity --> Decelerating: Apply brakes Decelerating --> Rest: Come to stop Rest --> [*]
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
State diagram showing different phases of motion and how acceleration changes during each phase
Acceleration Formula and Calculations
The acceleration formula shows how velocity changes over time. The Greek letter delta (Δ) means 'change in'.
Notes
Practice with both positive and negative acceleration examples to reinforce the concept.
Topic
Acceleration Calculations
Slide Id
S8
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mermaid
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8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-play Initial Velocity v_i] --> B[fa:fa-clock Time Interval t] C[fa:fa-fast-forward Final Velocity v_f] --> B B --> D[fa:fa-calculator Calculate Change] D --> E[Δv = v_f - v_i] E --> F[a = Δv / t] F --> G[fa:fa-check Result in m/s²] style F fill:#fff3e0 style G fill:#e8f5e8
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Step-by-step process for calculating acceleration using initial velocity, final velocity, and time
Types of Motion
Different types of motion are characterized by how velocity and acceleration behave. Understanding these helps us apply the right kinematic equations.
Notes
Relate each type of motion to familiar examples from daily life.
Topic
Types of Motion
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S9
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mermaid
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9
Mermaid Diagram
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mindmap root((Types of Motion)) Uniform Motion Constant velocity Zero acceleration Straight line Uniformly Accelerated Constant acceleration Changing velocity Free fall example Non-uniform Motion Changing acceleration Variable velocity Real world motion Circular Motion Curved path Centripetal acceleration Constant speed possible
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Classification of different types of motion based on acceleration and velocity patterns
Kinematic Equations
The kinematic equations are powerful tools for solving motion problems. Each equation relates different variables, so choose the one that uses your known values.
Notes
Emphasize that students should identify known and unknown variables first before choosing an equation.
Topic
Kinematic Equations
Slide Id
S10
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mermaid
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10
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Choose Equation] --> B{What do you know?} B -->|v₀, a, t| C[v = v₀ + at] B -->|v₀, a, t| D[s = v₀t + ½at²] B -->|v₀, v, a| E[v² = v₀² + 2as] B -->|v₀, v, t| F[s = ½v₀ + v×t] C --> G[fa:fa-calculator Solve] D --> G E --> G F --> G style G fill:#e8f5e8
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Decision tree for selecting the appropriate kinematic equation based on known variables
Free Fall Motion
Free fall is a special case of uniformly accelerated motion. Whether it's a coin or a coconut, both accelerate at 9.8 m/s² when falling (ignoring air resistance).
Notes
Emphasize that acceleration is constant throughout free fall, even at the highest point.
Topic
Free Fall
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant T as Thrown Object participant G as Gravity participant M as Maximum Height T->>G: Initial upward velocity Note over G: g = 9.8 m/s² downward G->>T: Continuous downward acceleration T->>M: Velocity decreases to zero Note over M: Still accelerating downward M->>T: Velocity increases downward T->>G: Returns to starting height
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence diagram showing how gravity affects an object thrown upward throughout its flight
Projectile Motion Basics
Projectile motion combines horizontal motion (like throwing a ball sideways) with vertical motion (free fall). Think of a basketball shot - it moves forward while falling down.
Notes
Use familiar sports examples like basketball or soccer to illustrate projectile motion concepts.
Topic
Projectile Motion
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Projectile Motion] --> B[Horizontal Component] A --> C[Vertical Component] B --> D[Constant velocity] B --> E[No acceleration] C --> F[Initial velocity upward] C --> G[Acceleration = g downward] D --> H[Distance = v₀ₓ × t] F --> I[Height = v₀ᵧt - ½gt²] style B fill:#e3f2fd style C fill:#fff3e0
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Breakdown of projectile motion into horizontal and vertical components with their respective characteristics
Graphs in Kinematics
Graphs are powerful tools for visualizing motion. The slope and area under curves provide important information about velocity, acceleration, and displacement.
Notes
Practice reading and interpreting graphs as these are common in UPCAT physics sections.
Topic
Kinematic Graphs
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
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Slide Number
13
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Position-Time Graph] --> B[Slope = Velocity] C[Velocity-Time Graph] --> D[Slope = Acceleration] C --> E[Area = Displacement] F[Acceleration-Time Graph] --> G[Area = Change in Velocity] B --> H[fa:fa-line-chart Straight line = Constant velocity] D --> I[fa:fa-line-chart Straight line = Constant acceleration] style B fill:#e8f5e8 style D fill:#fff3e0 style E fill:#e1f5fe
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Summary of how to interpret different kinematic graphs and extract motion information
Problem-Solving Strategy
A systematic approach helps solve kinematics problems efficiently. Take time to organize information before jumping into calculations.
Notes
Emphasize the importance of checking answers for reasonableness - does a car really accelerate to 1000 m/s?
Topic
Problem-Solving Strategy
Slide Id
S14
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mermaid
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14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-file-text Read Problem] --> B[fa:fa-list Identify Given Values] B --> C[fa:fa-question Identify Unknown Values] C --> D[fa:fa-compass Define Coordinate System] D --> E[fa:fa-calculator Choose Equation] E --> F[fa:fa-pencil Substitute and Solve] F --> G[fa:fa-check Check Units and Logic] G --> H[fa:fa-lightbulb Final Answer] style H fill:#e8f5e8
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Step-by-step problem-solving strategy for kinematics problems
Chapter Summary and Key Takeaways
Kinematics provides the mathematical tools to describe motion. These concepts are fundamental for understanding more advanced physics topics and are essential for college entrance exams.
Notes
Review this summary before exams to ensure all concepts are understood and interconnected.
Topic
Chapter Summary
Slide Id
S15
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mermaid
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15
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Kinematics Summary)) Basic Concepts Distance vs Displacement Speed vs Velocity Acceleration Key Formulas v = d/t v = s/t with direction a = Δv/t Special Cases Free Fall Projectile Motion Circular Motion Problem Solving Identify variables Choose equations Check answers Applications Transportation Sports Engineering
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Comprehensive summary of all key concepts, formulas, and applications covered in the kinematics chapter
References
- BRAINBOX UPCAT AND OTHER COLLEGE ENTRANCE - Physics.pdf
- Standard Physics textbooks for Grade 11-12 students
- UPCAT Physics examination syllabi and requirements
- Philippine Department of Education K-12 Physics curriculum
In summary
Understanding kinematics is crucial for success in physics and college entrance examinations. The concepts of speed, velocity, and acceleration form the foundation for more advanced topics in mechanics, including Newton's laws, energy, and momentum. Practice applying these concepts to real-world situations and always remember to pay attention to the vector nature of velocity and acceleration. These fundamentals will serve you well in your physics studies and help you analyze the motion of objects in everyday life.
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