Motion for Constant Acceleration
Equations of Motion for Constant Acceleration In this lesson the students are shown how to use a velocity-time graph to develop the equations of motion for constant acceleration. To give the students confidence, they are sometimes asked to share ideas with a partner.
Ans: The gradient gives the acceleration. We can use a velocity-time graph to find some equations that hold for a body moving in a straight line with constant acceleration. Suppose when the time is 0 . . . velocity (ms-1) the velocity is u. v Constant acceleration means the graph is a straight line. u At any time, t, we let the velocity be v. t time (s) Remind your partner how to find acceleration from a velocity-time graph. Ans: The gradient gives the acceleration.
We can use a velocity-time graph to find some equations that hold for a body moving in a straight line with constant acceleration. Suppose when the time is 0 . . . velocity (ms-1) the velocity is u. v Constant acceleration means the graph is a straight line. v - u u At any time, t, we let the velocity be v. t t time (s) v - u So, a = t From this equation we can find the value of any of the 4 quantities if we know the other 3.
v - u a = t a t = v - u u + a t = v v = u + a t We usually learn the formula with v as the “subject”. Multiplying by t: a t = v - u u + a t = v v = u + a t The velocity, u, at the start of the time is often called the initial velocity.