Question 1

What are the 5 kinematic equations?

Accepted Answer

The five SUVAT equations are: (1) v = v₀ + at, (2) d = v₀t + ½at², (3) v² = v₀² + 2ad, (4) d = ½(v₀+v)t, (5) d = vt − ½at². Each equation omits one of the five variables (s, u, v, a, t), so you need to know three to solve for the fourth.

Question 2

How do I find distance without time in kinematics?

Accepted Answer

Use the equation v² = v₀² + 2ad, rearranged as d = (v² − v₀²) / (2a). This requires knowing initial velocity (v₀), final velocity (v), and acceleration (a).

Question 3

What is the range formula for projectile motion?

Accepted Answer

For a projectile launched from ground level: R = v₀²·sin(2θ) / g. At 45° the range is maximized. The horizontal component vx = v₀·cos(θ) is constant; the vertical component vy = v₀·sin(θ) changes due to gravity.

Question 4

What does SUVAT stand for?

Accepted Answer

SUVAT is an acronym for the five kinematic variables: S = displacement (distance), U = initial velocity (v₀), V = final velocity (v), A = acceleration, T = time. The equations apply to uniform (constant) acceleration in a straight line.

Question 5

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Accepted Answer

Speed is a scalar — it has magnitude only (e.g. 60 km/h). Velocity is a vector — it has both magnitude and direction (e.g. 60 km/h north). In kinematics, velocity can be negative, indicating motion in the opposite direction. The kinematic equations use velocity, not speed.

Question 6

Can kinematics be used with negative acceleration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Negative acceleration (deceleration) simply means acceleration opposes the direction of motion. For example, a car braking from 27.8 m/s (100 km/h) to rest over 50 m has an acceleration of about −7.7 m/s². Enter a negative value in the acceleration field for decelerating problems.

Question 7

How do I calculate time from distance and velocity?

Accepted Answer

If acceleration is zero (uniform motion), use t = d / v. With constant acceleration, use the quadratic from d = v₀t + ½at², solved as t = (−v₀ ± √(v₀² + 2ad)) / a. Take the positive root. The calculator handles both cases automatically.

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