Equations of uniformly accelerated motion

  2. Mechanics
  3. Kinematics
  4. Equations of uniformly accelerated motion
    5. 30'

On this page we will consider the suvat equations in turn.

Key Concepts

The suvat equations apply to uniform motion, which means constant or zero acceleration.

More complicated motion can be analysed by splitting it into steps that are so small we can assume the acceleration is constant. For example, a vehicle travelling at 10 m s-1 and then 15 m s-1 could be considered in two stages.

 

Essentials

Deriving \(s={(u+v)\over2}t\)

This equation is derived by equating the two expressions for average velocity, \(v_{av}={s \over t}\) and \(v_{av}={(u+v)\over2}\)..

 

Deriving \(s=ut+{1\over2}at^2\)

This equation is derived by using the definition of acceleration, \(a={(v-u)\over t} \Rightarrow t={(v-u)\over a}\) to substitute for t in the previous equation.

 

Deriving \(v^2=u^2+2as\)

This time the equation \(a={(v-u)\over t}\) is used to substitute for v in the expression \(s={(u+v)\over2} t\)

 
 

Summary

Here is a recap of the equations so far.

 

Test Yourself

Use quizzes to practise application of theory. 


START QUIZ!
 

Exam-style Questions

Online tutorials to help you solve original problems

Question 1

 

Question 2

 

Question 3

 

Question 4

 

Question 5

 

Just for Fun

Which of these suvat equations are true and which are false?

 
MY PROGRESS

How much of Equations of uniformly accelerated motion have you understood?