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Concept Library / Kinematics

SUVAT Equations

The SUVAT equations relate displacement, initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration and time for motion with constant acceleration.

Full explanation

The SUVAT equations relate displacement, initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration and time for motion with constant acceleration.

Formula / representation

Using s for displacement during the modelled interval:

v=u+a⁢t
s=u+v2⁢t
s=u⁢t+12⁢a⁢t2
v2=u2+2⁢a⁢s

The IB Physics data booklet supplies this equation set.

Common misconceptions
  • Using the equations when acceleration changes.
  • Treating s as distance rather than signed displacement.
  • Mixing magnitudes with signed vector components.
  • Choosing an equation before identifying known and unknown quantities.
  • Using g as automatically positive; its sign depends on the chosen axis.
Related entries
Uniform AccelerationAccelerationDisplacementAverage VelocityFree FallCoordinate System / Sign Convention
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