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h4. Introduction to the Model

h5. Description and Assumptions

{excerpt:hidden=true}{*}System:* One [point particle]. --- *Interactions:* No acceleration (zero net force).{excerpt}

This model is applicable to a single [point particle] moving with constant [velocity], which implies that it is subject to no net [force] (zero [acceleration]).  Equivalently, the model applies to an object moving in one-dimension whose [position versus time graph] is linear.  It is a subclass of the [One-Dimensional Motion with Constant Acceleration|1-D Motion (Constant Acceleration)] model defined by the constraint _a_ = 0.


h5. Learning Objectives

Students will be assumed to understand this model who can:

* Describe the difference between [distance] and [displacement].
* Define average [velocity] and average [speed].
* Describe the features of a [motion diagram] that exhibits motion with constant [velocity].
* Relate [displacement], time and [velocity].
* Find [velocity] from the slope of a [position versus time graph].
* Describe the properties of the [position versus time graph] given the [velocity] and the initial [position] for a trip made at constant [velocity].
* Mathematically determine when two objects moving with constant [velocity] will meet by constructing and solving a system of equations.
* Graphically determine when two objects moving with constant [velocity] will meet.


h4. S.I.M. Structure of the Model

h5. Compatible Systems

A single [point particle|point particle] (or a system treated as a point particle with position specified by the center of mass).

h5. Relevant Interactions

In order for the velocity to be constant, the system must be subject to no _net_ force.

h4. Law of Change

h5. Mathematical Representation

{latex}\begin{large}$x(t) =  x_{\rm i} + v (t - t_{\rm i})$\end{large}{latex}\\

h5. Diagrammatic Representations

* [motion diagram]
* [position versus time graph]
* [velocity versus time graph]

|[!images^MathematicaPlayer.png!|^ConstVel.nbp]|[Click here|^ConstVel.nbp] for a _Mathematica Player_ application illustrating these representations.|

|[!images^download_now.gif!|http://www.wolfram.com/products/player/download.cgi]|[Click here|http://www.woldfram.com/products/player/download.cgi] to download the (free) _Mathematica Player_ from [Wolfram Research|http://www.wolfram.com]|

h4. Relevant Examples


h6. {toggle-cloak:id=one} Examples Involving Purely One-Dimensional Motion

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{contentbylabel:constant_velocity,1d_motion,example_problem|showSpace=false|showLabels=true|excerpt=true|operator=AND|maxResults=50}
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h6. {toggle-cloak:id=catch} Examples Involving Determining when Two Objects Meet

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{contentbylabel:constant_velocity,example_problem,catch-up|showSpace=false|showLabels=true|excerpt=true|operator=AND|maxResults=50}
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h6. {toggle-cloak:id=proj} Examples Involving Projectile Motion

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{contentbylabel:projectile_motion,example_problem|showSpace=false|showLabels=true|excerpt=true|operator=AND|maxResults=50}
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h6. {toggle-cloak:id=all} All Examples Using This Model

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{contentbylabel:1d_motion,constant_velocity,example_problem|showSpace=false|showLabels=true|excerpt=true|operator=AND|maxResults=50}
{contentbylabel:projectile_motion,example_problem|showSpace=false|showLabels=true|excerpt=true|operator=AND|maxResults=50}
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