Calculating Uniform Acceleration Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

What is the equation for uniform acceleration linking final velocity, initial velocity, acceleration and distance?

$v^2 - u^2 = 2as$

In $v^2 - u^2 = 2as$, what does each symbol stand for?

$v$ = final velocity (m/s), $u$ = initial velocity (m/s), $a$ = acceleration (m/s²), $s$ = distance (m).

What are the steps to find the final velocity using $v^2 - u^2 = 2as$?

e.g. starting from rest, $a = 2$ m/s², $s = 9$ m

1. Substitute: $v^2 - 0^2 = 2 \times 2 \times 9$
2. $v^2 = 36$
3. $v = \sqrt{36} = 6$ m/s

Which value of acceleration do you use in $v^2 - u^2 = 2as$ for an object dropped near the Earth's surface?

9.8 m/s², the acceleration of free fall.

True or false? $v^2 - u^2 = 2as$ can be used for any journey at all.

False. It only applies when the acceleration is uniform (constant).