1. The Constant Acceleration Equations
Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the graphical analysis of motion, we learn there’s an easier, algebraic way to find the same information about objects in motion!
Use the Constant Acceleration Equations
able to be used any time an object undergoes constant acceleration
deal with the 5 physical quantities we’ve been working with so far
Δt Δx vi vf and a
But each eq’n only contains 4 of these 5 variables
Watch….

2. Constant Acceleration Equations
missing variable? Δx vf vi Δt a
vf = vi + aΔt
Δx = vi Δt + ½ a Δt2
Δx = vf Δt - ½ a Δt2
vf2 = vi2 + 2a Δx
Δx = (vi + vf) Δt 2
To use these equations, you will be given a problem that contains 3 given pieces of information and 1 unknown so that 1 of the 5 variables is completely left out: choose the equation that is missing that ignored variable. Try some…

3. Ex 1. A car, headed north at 28 m/s, accelerates at a constant rate so that in 5.3 s it was going 52 m/s. Determine the car’s displacement in this time.
212 m, North

4. Ex 2. A motorcycle going west ends up traveling at 47 m/s after having sped up at a rate of 1.7 m/s each second over 184 m in the same direction. Determine its starting velocity.
39.8 m/s, West

5. Ex 3. A ball is shot up a frictionless ramp out of a toy gun that releases it at the bottom with a speed of 3.6 m/s. If it takes the ball 5 s to return to the release point assumingly with the same speed, determine the rate of acceleration it experienced while on the ramp.
loses 1.44 m/s each sec as it rolls up &
gains 1.44 m/s each sec as it rolls down