Introduction

This chapter you will learn the SUVAT

equations

These are the foundations of many of
the Mechanics topics

You will see how to use them to use
many types of problem involving motion
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning two of the
SUVAT equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
=



=

=
+ =
= +
Replace with the
appropriate letters.
Change in velocity =
final velocity initial
velocity
Multiply by t
Add u
This is the
usual form!
() =
=
+
2

Replace
with the
appropriate
letters
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning two of the
SUVAT equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

You need to consider using negative numbers in
some cases
P Q
Positive direction
O
4m 3m
2.5ms
-1
6ms
-1
If we are measuring displacements from O, and left to right
is the positive direction
For particle P: For particle Q:
= 4
= 2.5
1

= 3
= 6
1

The particle is to the left of
the point O, which is the
negative side
The particle is moving at
2.5ms
-1
in the positive direction
The particle is to
the right of the
point O, which is
the positive side
The particle is moving at 6ms
-1

in the negative direction
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

A particle is moving in a straight line from A to B with constant
acceleration 3ms
-2
. Its speed at A is 2ms
-1
and it takes 8 seconds to
move from A to B. Find:
a) The speed of the particle at B
b) The distance from A to B
=? = 2 =? = 3 = 8
A B
2ms
-1

Start with a
diagram
Write out suvat and
fill in what you know
For part a) we need
to calculate v, and we
know u, a and t
= +
= 2 + (3 8)
= 26
1

Fill in the
values you
know
Remember to
include units!
You always need to set up the question in this
way. It makes it much easier to figure out what
equation you need to use (there will be more to
learn than just these two!)
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

A particle is moving in a straight line from A to B with constant
acceleration 3ms
-2
. Its speed at A is 2ms
-1
and it takes 8 seconds to
move from A to B. Find:
a) The speed of the particle at B 26ms
-1
b) The distance from A to B
=? = 2 =? = 3 = 8
A B
2ms
-1

= 26
For part b) we need
to calculate s, and we
know u, v and t
=
+
2

=
2 + 26
2
8
= 14 8
= 112
Fill in the
values you
know
Show
calculations
Remember
the units!
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

A cyclist is travelling along a straight road. She accelerates at a
constant rate from a speed of 4ms
-1
to a speed of 7.5ms
-1
in 40
seconds. Find:
a) The distance travelled over this 40 seconds
b) The acceleration over the 40 seconds
4ms
-1
7.5ms
-1

=? = 4 =? = 40 = 7.5
Draw a diagram
(model the cyclist as
a particle)
Write out suvat and
fill in what you know
=
+
2

We are calculating s,
and we already know
u, v and t
=
4 + 7.5
2
40
= 230
Sub in the
values you
know
Remember
units!
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

A cyclist is travelling along a straight road. She accelerates at a
constant rate from a speed of 4ms
-1
to a speed of 7.5ms
-1
in 40
seconds. Find:
a) The distance travelled over this 40 seconds 230m
b) The acceleration over the 40 seconds
4ms
-1
7.5ms
-1

= 230 = 4 =? = 40 = 7.5
Draw a diagram
(model the cyclist as
a particle)
Write out suvat and
fill in what you know
For part b, we are
calculating a, and we
already know u, v and
t
Sub in the
values you
know
Subtract 4
= +
7.5 = 4 + 40
7.5 = 40
Divide by
40
= 0.0875
2

=?
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

A particle moves in a straight line from a point A to B with constant
deceleration of 1.5ms
-2
. The speed of the particle at A is 8ms
-1
and the
speed of the particle at B is 2ms
-1
. Find:
a) The time taken for the particle to get from A to B
b) The distance from A to B
8ms
-1
2ms
-1

=? = 8 = 1.5 =? = 2
Draw a diagram
Write out suvat and
fill in what you know
As the particle is
decelerating, a is
negative
= +
2 = 8 1.5
6 = 1.5
4 =
Sub in the
values you know
Subtract 8
Divide by -1.5
A B
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

A particle moves in a straight line from a point A to B with constant
deceleration of 1.5ms
-2
. The speed of the particle at A is 8ms
-1
and the
speed of the particle at B is 2ms
-1
. Find:
a) The time taken for the particle to get from A to B 4 seconds
b) The distance from A to B
8ms
-1
2ms
-1

=? = 8 = 1.5 =? = 2
Draw a diagram
Write out suvat and
fill in what you know
As the particle is
decelerating, a is
negative
Sub in the
values you know
= 4
=
+
2

=
8 + 2
2
4
= 20
Calculate the
answer!
A B
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

After reaching B the particle continues to move along the straight line
with the same deceleration. The particle is at point C, 6 seconds after
passing through A. Find:
a) The velocity of the particle at C
b) The distance from A to C
8ms
-1
2ms
-1

=? = 8 = 1.5 =? = 6
A B C
?
Update the
diagram
Write out
suvat using
points A and C
= +
= 8 (1.5 6)
= 1
1

Sub in the
values
Work it
out!
As the velocity is negative, this means the
particle has now changed direction and is
heading back towards A! (velocity has a
direction as well as a magnitude!)
The velocity is 1ms
-1
in the direction C to A
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

After reaching B the particle continues to move along the straight line
with the same deceleration. The particle is at point C, 6 seconds after
passing through A. Find:
a) The velocity of the particle at C - -1ms
-1
b) The distance from A to C
8ms
-1
2ms
-1

=? = 8 = 1.5 =? = 6
A B C
?
Update the
diagram
Write out
suvat using
points A and C
= 1
=
+
2

=
8 1
2
6
= 21
Sub in the
values
Work it
out!
It is important to note that 21m is the distance from A to C
only
The particle was further away before it changed
direction, and has in total travelled further than 21m
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

A car moves from traffic lights along a straight road with constant
acceleration. The car starts from rest at the traffic lights and 30
seconds later passes a speed trap where it is travelling at 45 kmh
-1
. Find:
a) The acceleration of the car
b) The distance between the traffic lights and the speed-trap.
0ms
-1
45kmh
-1
Lights Trap
Standard units to use are metres and seconds, or kilometres and hours
In this case, the time is in seconds and the speed is in kilometres
per hour
We need to change the speed into metres per second first!
Draw a diagram
45
1

45,000
1

12.5
1

Multiply by 1000 (km to m)
Divide by 3600 (hours to seconds)
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

A car moves from traffic lights along a straight road with constant
acceleration. The car starts from rest at the traffic lights and 30
seconds later passes a speed trap where it is travelling at 45 kmh
-1
. Find:
a) The acceleration of the car
b) The distance between the traffic lights and the speed-trap.
0ms
-1
45kmh
-1
Lights Trap
Draw a diagram
= 12.5ms
-1
Write out suvat and
fill in what you know
=? = 0 =? = 30 = 12.5
= +
12.5 = 0 + 30
5
12

2
=
Sub in the
values
Divide by
30
You can use
exact answers!
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You will begin by learning
two of the SUVAT
equations

s = Displacement (distance)
u = Starting (initial) velocity
v = Final velocity
a = Acceleration
t = Time
2A
= +
=
+
2

A car moves from traffic lights along a straight road with constant
acceleration. The car starts from rest at the traffic lights and 30
seconds later passes a speed trap where it is travelling at 45 kmh
-1
. Find:
a) The acceleration of the car
b) The distance between the traffic lights and the speed-trap.
0ms
-1
45kmh
-1
Lights Trap
Draw a diagram
= 12.5ms
-1
Write out suvat and
fill in what you know
=? = 0 =? = 30 = 12.5
=
5
12

=
+
2

=
0 + 12.5
2
30
= 187.5
Sub in
values
Work it
out!
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae linking
different combination of SUVAT, for a
particle moving in a straight line with
constant acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

= +
=

=
=
+
2

=
+
2

=

2

2
2

2 =
2

2

2
+ 2 =
2

2
=
2
+ 2

2
=
2
+ 2
Subtract u
Divide by a
Replace t with the
expression above
Multiply numerators and
denominators
Multiply by 2a
Add u
2
This is the way it is
usually written!

Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae linking
different combination of SUVAT, for a
particle moving in a straight line with
constant acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
=
+
2

=
+ +
2

=
2 +
2

= +
1
2

= +
1
2

2

Replace v with u + at
Group terms on the
numerator
Divide the numerator
by 2
Multiply out the
bracket
= +
1
2

2

Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae linking
different combination of SUVAT, for a
particle moving in a straight line with
constant acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

= +
=
= +
1
2

2

= ( ) +
1
2

2

=
2
+
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

Subtract at
Replace u with v - at
from above
Multiply out the
bracket
Group up the at
2

terms
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae
linking different combination of
SUVAT, for a particle moving in
a straight line with constant
acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

A particle is moving in a straight line from A to B with constant
acceleration 5ms
-2
. The velocity of the particle at A is 3ms
-1
in the
direction AB. The velocity at B is 18ms
-1
in the same direction. Find the
distance from A to B.
3ms
-1
18ms
-1
A B
Draw a diagram
=? = 3 = 5 =? = 18
Write out suvat
with the
information given

2
=
2
+ 2
18
2
= 3
2
+ 2(5)
324 = 9 + 10
315 = 10
31.5 =
Replace v, u and a
Work out terms
Subtract 9
Divide by 10
We are
calculating s,
using v, u and a
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae
linking different combination of
SUVAT, for a particle moving in
a straight line with constant
acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

A car is travelling along a straight horizontal road with a constant
acceleration of 0.75ms
-2
. The car is travelling at 8ms
-1
as it passes a
pillar box. 12 seconds later the car passes a lamp post. Find:
a) The distance between the pillar box and the lamp post
b) The speed with which the car passes the lamp post
8ms
-1

Pillar
Box
Lamp
Post
=? = 8 = 0.75 = 12 =?
Draw a diagram
Write out suvat
with the
information given
We are
calculating s,
using u, a and t
= +
1
2

2

= (8 12) +
1
2
(0.75 12
2
)
= 150
Replace u, a
and t
Calculate
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae
linking different combination of
SUVAT, for a particle moving in
a straight line with constant
acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

A car is travelling along a straight horizontal road with a constant
acceleration of 0.75ms
-2
. The car is travelling at 8ms
-1
as it passes a
pillar box. 12 seconds later the car passes a lamp post. Find:
a) The distance between the pillar box and the lamp post 150m
b) The speed with which the car passes the lamp post
8ms
-1

Pillar
Box
Lamp
Post
=? = 8 = 0.75 = 12 =?
Draw a diagram
Write out suvat
with the
information given
We are
calculating v,
using u, a and t
Replace u, a
and t
Calculate
= +
= 8 + (0.75 12)
= 17
1

Often you can use an answer you have calculated later
on in the same question. However, you must take care
to use exact values and not rounded answers!
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae
linking different combination of
SUVAT, for a particle moving in
a straight line with constant
acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

A particle is moving in a straight horizontal line with constant
deceleration 4ms
-2
. At time t = 0 the particle passes through a point O
with speed 13ms
-1
, travelling to a point A where OA = 20m. Find:
a) The times when the particle passes through A
b) The total time the particle is beyond A
c) The time taken for the particle to return to O
13ms
-1

O A
= 20 = 13 = 4 =? =?
Draw a diagram
Write out suvat
with the
information given
We are
calculating t,
using s, u and a = +
1
2

2

20 = (13) +
1
2
(4)
2

20 = 13 2
2

2
2
13 +20 = 0
(2 5)( 4) = 0
= 2.5 4
Replace s, u
and a
Simplify terms
Rearrange and set equal to 0
Factorise (or use the quadratic formula)
We have 2 answers. As the
acceleration is negative, the
particle passes through A, then
changes direction and passes
through it again!
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae
linking different combination of
SUVAT, for a particle moving in
a straight line with constant
acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

A particle is moving in a straight horizontal line with constant
deceleration 4ms
-2
. At time t = 0 the particle passes through a point O
with speed 13ms
-1
, travelling to a point A where OA = 20m. Find:
a) The times when the particle passes through A 2.5 and 4 seconds
b) The total time the particle is beyond A
c) The time taken for the particle to return to O
13ms
-1

O A
= 20 = 13 = 4 =? =?
Draw a diagram
Write out suvat
with the
information given
We are
calculating t,
using s, u and a
The particle passes through A at 2.5
seconds and 4 seconds, so it was
beyond A for 1.5 seconds
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae
linking different combination of
SUVAT, for a particle moving in
a straight line with constant
acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

A particle is moving in a straight horizontal line with constant
deceleration 4ms
-2
. At time t = 0 the particle passes through a point O
with speed 13ms
-1
, travelling to a point A where OA = 20m. Find:
a) The times when the particle passes through A 2.5 and 4 seconds
b) The total time the particle is beyond A 1.5 seconds
c) The time taken for the particle to return to O
13ms
-1

O A
= 20 = 13 = 4 =? =?
Draw a diagram
Write out suvat
with the
information given
The particle
returns to O
when s = 0
= 0
= +
1
2

2

0 = (13) +(2)
2

0 = 13 2
2

2
2
13 = 0
(2 13) = 0
Replace s, u and a
= 0 6.5
Simplify
Rearrange
Factorise
The particle is at O when t = 0
seconds (to begin with) and is
at O again when t = 6.5 seconds
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can also use 3 more formulae
linking different combination of
SUVAT, for a particle moving in
a straight line with constant
acceleration
2B
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

A particle is travelling along the x-axis with constant deceleration
2.5ms
-2
. At time t = O, the particle passes through the origin, moving
in the positive direction with speed 15ms
-1
. Calculate the distance
travelled by the particle by the time it returns to the origin.
15ms
-1

O X
Draw a diagram
The total distance
travelled will be double the
distance the particle
reaches from O (point X)

At X, the velocity is 0
=? = 15 = 2.5 =? = 0

2
=
2
+ 2
0
2
= 15
2
+ 2(2.5)
0 = 225 5
5 = 225
= 45
Replace v,
u and a
Simplify
Add 5s
Divide by 5
= 90
45m is the distance from O
to X. Double it for the total
distance travelled
We are
calculating s,
using u, v and a
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant acceleration to model an object moving vertically in a
straight line under the influence of gravity

Gravity causes objects to fall to the earth! (as you probably already know!)

The acceleration caused by gravity is constant (if you ignore air resistance)

This means the acceleration will be the same, regardless of the size of the object

On Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8ms
-2
, correct to 2 significant figures.

When solving problems involving vertical motion you must carefully consider the direction. As
gravity acts in a downwards direction:
- An object thrown downwards will have an acceleration of 9.8ms
-2
- An object thrown upwards will have an acceleration of -9.8ms
-2


The time of flight is the length of time an object spends in the air. The speed of projection is
another name for the objects initial speed (u)
2C
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A ball is projected vertically upwards from a point O with a speed
of 12ms
-1
. Find:
a) The greatest height reached by the ball
b) The total time the ball is in the air
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

1
2
m
s
-
1

0
m
s
-
1

=?
= 12
= 9.8
=?
= 0
Draw a diagram
At its highest point, the
velocity of the ball is 0ms
-1
As the ball has been projected
upwards, gravity is acting in the
opposite direction and hence the
acceleration is negative

0
2
= 12
2
+ 2(9.8)

2
=
2
+ 2
0 = 144 19.6
19.6 = 144
= 7.4 (2)
Replace v, u and a
Simplify
Add 19.6s
Divide and round to 2sf (since
gravity has been given to 2sf)
We are calculating s, using u, v and a

Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A ball is projected vertically upwards from a point O with a speed
of 12ms
-1
. Find:
a) The greatest height reached by the ball 7.4m
b) The total time the ball is in the air
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

1
2
m
s
-
1

0
m
s
-
1

= 12
= 9.8
=?
Draw a diagram
For the total time the ball is
in the air, the displacement
(s) will be 0
= 0
=?
Also, we will not know v (yet!)
when the ball strikes the
ground
We are calculating t, using s, u and a

= +
1
2

2

0 = 12 4.9
2

0 = (12 4.9)
= 0 2.4 (2)
Replace s, u and a
Factorise
Choose the
appropriate answer!
So the ball will be in the air for 2.4 seconds
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A book falls off the top shelf of a bookcase. The shelf is 1.4
above the ground. Find:
a) The time it takes the book to reach the floor
b) The speed with which the book strikes the floor
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

0
m
s
-
1

= 0
= 9.8
=?
= 1.4
=?
Draw a diagram
1
.
4
m

The books initial speed will
be 0 as it has not been
projected to begin with
As the books initial movement is
downwards, we take the
acceleration due to gravity as
positive
We are calculating t, using
s, u and a
= +
1
2

2

1.4 = (0) +
1
2
(9.8)
2

1.4 = 4.9
2

1.4
4.9
=
2

= 0.53 (2)
Replace s, u and a
Simplify
Divide by 4.9
Find the positive
square root
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A book falls off the top shelf of a bookcase. The shelf is 1.4
above the ground. Find:
a) The time it takes the book to reach the floor 0.53 seconds
b) The speed with which the book strikes the floor
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

0
m
s
-
1

= 0
= 9.8
=?
= 1.4
=?
Draw a diagram
1
.
4
m

The books initial speed will
be 0 as it has not been
projected to begin with
As the books initial movement is
downwards, we take the
acceleration due to gravity as
positive
We are calculating v, using
s, u and a

2
=
2
+2

2
= 0
2
+2(9.8 1.4)

2
= 27.44
= 5.2
1
(2)
Replace s, u
and a
Calculate
Find the positive
square root
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A ball is projected upwards from a point X which is 7m above the
ground, with initial speed 21ms
-1
. Find the time of flight of the
ball.
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

2
1
m
s
-
1

7
m

= 21
= 9.8
=?
= 7
=?
Draw a diagram
The balls flight will last until it
hits the ground
We want the ball to be 7m
lower than it starts (in the
negative direction)
Hence, s = -7
The ball is projected upwards, so
the acceleration due to gravity is
negative
= +
1
2

2

7 = (21) +
1
2
(9.8)
2

7 = 21 4.9
2

4.9
2
21 7 = 0
= 4.9 = 21 = 7
We are calculating t,
using s, u and a
Replace s, u
and a
Simplify
Rearrange and set equal to 0
We will need the quadratic formula
here, so write down a, b and c
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A ball is projected upwards from a point X which is 7m above the
ground, with initial speed 21ms
-1
. Find the time of flight of the
ball.
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

2
1
m
s
-
1

7
m

= 21
= 9.8
=?
= 7
=?
Draw a diagram
The balls flight will last until it
hits the ground
We want the ball to be 7m
lower than it starts (in the
negative direction)
Hence, s = -7
The ball is projected upwards, so
the acceleration due to gravity is
negative
= 4.9 = 21 = 7
=

2
4
2

=
(21) (21)
2
(4 4.9 7)
(2 4.9)

= 4.6 0.3
Replace a, b and c
(using brackets!)
Calculate and be careful with
any negatives in the previous
step!)
= 4.6 (2)
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A particle is projected vertically upwards from a point O with initial
speed u ms
-1
. The greatest height reached by the particle is 62.5m
above the ground. Find:
a) The speed of projection
b) The total time for which the ball is 50m or more above the ground
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

u

m
s
-
1

62.5m
Draw a diagram
The maximum height is 62.5m
At this point the balls velocity
is 0ms
-1
The ball is projected upwards, so
the acceleration due to gravity is
negative
=?
= 9.8
=?
= 62.5
= 0
We are calculating u,
using s, v and a

2
=
2
+2
0
2
=
2
+2(9.8 62.5)
0 =
2
1225

2
= 1225
= 35
1

Replace v, a and s
Simplify
Rewrite
Find the positive square root
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A particle is projected vertically upwards from a point O with initial
speed u ms
-1
. The greatest height reached by the particle is 62.5m
above the ground. Find:
a) The speed of projection 35ms
-1
b) The total time for which the ball is 50m or more above the ground
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

u

m
s
-
1

62.5m
Draw a diagram
The ball will pass the 50m mark
twice we need to find these two
times!
= 9.8
=?
= 50
=?
= 35 50m
We are calculating t,
using s, u and a
= +
1
2

2

50 = (35) +
1
2
(9.8)
2

50 = 35 4.9
2

4.9
2
35 + 50 = 0
= 4.9 = 35 = 50
Replace s, u and a
Simplify
Rearrange, and set equal to 0
We will need the quadratic
formula, and hence a, b and c
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A particle is projected vertically upwards from a point O with initial
speed u ms
-1
. The greatest height reached by the particle is 62.5m
above the ground. Find:
a) The speed of projection 35ms
-1
b) The total time for which the ball is 50m or more above the ground
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

u

m
s
-
1

62.5m
Draw a diagram
The ball will pass the 50m mark
twice we need to find these two
times!
= 9.8
=?
= 50
=?
= 35 50m
We are calculating t,
using s, u and a
= 4.9 = 35 = 50
Sub these into the
Quadratic formula
=

2
4
2

=
(35) (35)
2
(4 4.9 50)
4.9 2

= 5.1686 = 1.9742
We get the two times the ball
passes the 50m mark
Calculate the difference
between these times!
= 3.2 (2)
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A ball, A, falls vertically from rest from the top of a tower 63m high.
At the same time as A begins to fall, another ball, B, is projected
vertically upwards from the bottom of the tower with velocity 21ms
-1
.
The balls collide. Find the height at which this happens.
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

6
3
m

s
1
s
2
21ms
-1
Draw a diagram
In this case we need to consider
each ball separately.
We can call the two distances
s
1
and s
2
The time will be the same for
both when they collide, so we
can just use t
Make sure that acceleration
is positive for A as it is
travelling downwards and
negative for B as it is
travelling upwards
= 9.8
=
=
1

=?
= 0

= 9.8
=
=
2

=?
= 21

= +
1
2

1
= (0) +
1
2
(9.8)
2

1
= 4.9
2

= +
1
2

2
= (21) +
1
2
(9.8)
2

2
= 21 4.9
2


Sub in s, u,
a and t for
Ball B
Simplify
Sub in s, u,
a and t for
Ball A
Simplify
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A ball, A, falls vertically from rest from the top of a tower 63m high.
At the same time as A begins to fall, another ball, B, is projected
vertically upwards from the bottom of the tower with velocity 21ms
-1
.
The balls collide. Find the height at which this happens.
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

6
3
m

s
1
s
2
21ms
-1
Draw a diagram
In this case we need to consider
each ball separately.
We can call the two distances
s
1
and s
2
The time will be the same for
both when they collide, so we
can just use t
Make sure that acceleration
is positive for A as it is
travelling downwards and
negative for B as it is
travelling upwards
= 9.8
=
=
1

=?
= 0

= 9.8
=
=
2

=?
= 21

1
= 4.9
2

2
= 21 4.9
2

1)
2)
Add the two equations together
(this cancels the 4.9t
2
terms)

1
+
2
= 21
63 = 21
3 =
s
1
+ s
2
must be the height of the
tower (63m)
Divide by 21
So the balls collide
after 3 seconds
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can use the formulae for constant
acceleration to model an object moving
vertically in a straight line under the
influence of gravity
2C
A ball, A, falls vertically from rest from the top of a tower 63m high.
At the same time as A begins to fall, another ball, B, is projected
vertically upwards from the bottom of the tower with velocity 21ms
-1
.
The balls collide. Find the height at which this happens.
= +
=
+
2

2
=
2
+ 2
= +
1
2

2

=
1
2

2

6
3
m

s
1
s
2
21ms
-1
Draw a diagram
In this case we need to consider
each ball separately.
We can call the two distances
s
1
and s
2
The time will be the same for
both when they collide, so we
can just use t
Make sure that acceleration
is positive for A as it is
travelling downwards and
negative for B as it is
travelling upwards
= 9.8
=
=
1

=?
= 0

= 9.8
=
=
2

=?
= 21

2
= 21 4.9
2

2)
Sub in t = 3 (we use this
equation since s
2
is the
height above the ground)

2
= 21(3) 4.9(3)
2

2
= 18.9 (19 2)
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can represent the motion of an
object on a speed-time graph,
distance-time graph or an acceleration-
time graph
2D
O
u
v
t
Initial velocity
Final velocity
Time taken
v - u
t
=



=

=
On a speed-time graph,
the gradient of a section
is its acceleration!
=
+
2

=
=
+
2

v
u
t
=
+
2

On a speed-time graph,
the Area beneath it is
the distance covered!
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can represent the motion of an
object on a speed-time graph,
distance-time graph or an acceleration-
time graph

Gradient of a speed-time graph =
Acceleration over that period

Area under a speed-time graph = distance
travelled during that period
2D
A car accelerates uniformly at 5ms
-2
from rest for 20 seconds.
It then travels at a constant speed for the next 40 seconds, then
decelerates uniformly for the final 20 seconds until it is at rest
again.
a) Draw an acceleration-time graph for this information
b) Draw a distance-time graph for this information
20 40 60 80
5
Acceleration
(ms
-2
)
0
-5
For now, we assume the
rate of acceleration
jumps between different
rates
Time (s)
20 40 60 80
Time (s)
As the speed increases the
curve gets steeper, but with
a constant speed the curve is
straight. Finally the curve
gets less steep as
deceleration takes place
Distance
(m)
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can represent the motion
of an object on a speed-time
graph, distance-time graph or
an acceleration-time graph

Gradient of a speed-time graph =
Acceleration over that period

Area under a speed-time graph =
distance travelled during that
period
2D
The diagram below shows a speed-time graph for the motion of a cyclist
moving along a straight road for 12 seconds. For the first 8 seconds, she
moves at a constant speed of 6ms
-1
. She then decelerates at a constant
rate, stopping after a further 4 seconds. Find:
a) The distance travelled by the cyclist
b) The rate of deceleration of the cyclist
v(ms
-1
)
t(s)
0
6
8 12
=
+
2

=
8 + 12
2
6
8
12
6
= 60
60
Sub in the appropriate values
for the trapezium above
Calculate
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can represent the motion
of an object on a speed-time
graph, distance-time graph or
an acceleration-time graph

Gradient of a speed-time graph =
Acceleration over that period

Area under a speed-time graph =
distance travelled during that
period
2D
The diagram below shows a speed-time graph for the motion of a cyclist
moving along a straight road for 12 seconds. For the first 8 seconds, she
moves at a constant speed of 6ms
-1
. She then decelerates at a constant
rate, stopping after a further 4 seconds. Find:
a) The distance travelled by the cyclist 60m
b) The rate of deceleration of the cyclist
v(ms
-1
)
t(s)
0
6
8 12
=



4
-6
Sub in the appropriate values
for the trapezium above
Calculate
=
6
4

= 1.5
1.5
2

Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can represent the motion
of an object on a speed-time
graph, distance-time graph or
an acceleration-time graph

Gradient of a speed-time graph =
Acceleration over that period

Area under a speed-time graph =
distance travelled during that
period
2D
A particle moves along a straight line. It accelerates uniformly from rest
to a speed of 8ms
-1
in T seconds. The particle then travels at a constant
speed for 5T seconds. It then decelerates to rest uniformly over the
next 40 seconds.
a) Sketch a speed-time graph for this motion
b) Given that the particle travels 600m, find the value of T
c) Sketch an acceleration-time graph for this motion
v(ms
-1
)
t(s)
0
8
T 5T 40
=
+
2

600 =
5 + 6 + 40
2
8
5T
8
6T + 40
600 = 5.5 + 20 8
75 = 5.5 + 20
55 = 5.5
10 =
Sub in
values
Simplify
fraction
Divide
by 8
Subtract 20
Divide by 5.5
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can represent the motion
of an object on a speed-time
graph, distance-time graph or
an acceleration-time graph

Gradient of a speed-time graph =
Acceleration over that period

Area under a speed-time graph =
distance travelled during that
period
2D
A particle moves along a straight line. It accelerates uniformly from rest
to a speed of 8ms
-1
in T seconds. The particle then travels at a constant
speed for 5T seconds. It then decelerates to rest uniformly over the
next 40 seconds.
a) Sketch a speed-time graph for this motion
b) Given that the particle travels 600m, find the value of T 10 seconds
c) Sketch an acceleration-time graph for this motion
v(ms
-1
)
t(s)
0
8
T 5T 40 50 10
=



=
8
10

= 0.8
2

=
8
40

= 0.2
2

First section Last section
t(s)
a(ms
-2
)
20 40 60 80 100
0.8
-0.2
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can represent the motion
of an object on a speed-time
graph, distance-time graph or
an acceleration-time graph

Gradient of a speed-time graph =
Acceleration over that period

Area under a speed-time graph =
distance travelled during that
period
2D
A car C is moving along a straight road with constant speed 17.5ms
-1
. At
time t = 0, C passes a lay-by. Also at time t = 0, a second car, D, leaves the
lay-by. Car D accelerates from rest to a speed of 20ms
-1
in 15 seconds and
then maintains this speed. Car D passes car C at a road sign.
a) Sketch a speed-time graph to show the motion of both cars
b) Calculate the distance between the lay-by and the road sign
v(ms
-1
)
t(s)
0
20
17.5
15
C
D
At the road sign, the cars have
covered the same distance in the
same time

We need to set up simultaneous
equations using s and t

Let us call the time when the
areas are equal T

T
17.5
T
=
= 17.5
= 17.5

=
+
2

=
+ 15
2
20
T - 15
20
= 7.5 20
= 20 150
Sub in
values
Sub in
values
Simplify
fraction
Multiply
bracket
Kinematics of a Particle moving in a
Straight Line
You can represent the motion
of an object on a speed-time
graph, distance-time graph or
an acceleration-time graph

Gradient of a speed-time graph =
Acceleration over that period

Area under a speed-time graph =
distance travelled during that
period
2D
A car C is moving along a straight road with constant speed 17.5ms
-1
. At
time t = 0, C passes a lay-by. Also at time t = 0, a second car, D, leaves the
lay-by. Car D accelerates from rest to a speed of 20ms
-1
in 15 seconds and
then maintains this speed. Car D passes car C at a road sign.
a) Sketch a speed-time graph to show the motion of both cars
b) Calculate the distance between the lay-by and the road sign
v(ms
-1
)
t(s)
0
20
17.5
15
C
D
At the road sign, the cars have
covered the same distance in the
same time

We need to set up simultaneous
equations using s and t

Let us call the time when the
areas are equal T

T
= 17.5

= 20 150
17.5 = 20 150
0 = 2.5 150
150 = 2.5
60 =
= 17.5
= 17.5(60)
= 1050
Subtract
17.5T
Add
150
Divide
by 2.5
Sub
in T
Calculate!
Set these
equations equal to
each other!
Summary
This chapter we have seen how to solve problems
involving the motion of a particle in a straight line,
with constant acceleration

We have extended the problems to vertical motion
involving gravity

We have also seen how to solve problems involving
the motion of two particles

We have also used graphs to solve some more
complicated problems