A LevelMathsEdexcelMechanicsRevision NotesKinematicsConstant Acceleration in 1DDeriving the suvat Formulas

Deriving the suvat Formulas (Edexcel A Level Maths) : Revision Note

Dan Finlay

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Edexcel Maths: MechanicsOCR Maths A: MechanicsAQA Maths: Mechanics

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Deriving the suvat Equations

What is suvat?

  • suvat is an acronym for the five quantities used when modelling motion in a straight-line with constant acceleration

    • s – displacement (from the starting point)

    • u – initial velocity

    • v – final velocity

    • a – acceleration

    • t – time

  • All except time are vector quantities and can be negative

    • time is a scalar quantity

What are the suvat equations (for constant acceleration)?

  • The five suvat equations for motion in a straight line are:

v space equals space u space plus space a t v squared space equals space u squared space plus space 2 a s s space equals space 1 half left parenthesis u space plus space v right parenthesis t s space equals space u t space plus 1 half a t squared s space equals space v t space minus 1 half a t squared

  • The equations can only be used when the motion has constant acceleration

  • All equations connect four of the five quantities

    • Knowing any three allows a fourth to be found

  • The equations are provided in the exam

How do I derive the suvat equations?

  • The four equations that involve time can be derived from a velocity-time graph

    • The velocity-time graph will be a straight line as the acceleration is constant

    • The fifth equation can be found by choosing any two of the equations and eliminating the t variable (see the worked example)

    2-3-1-deriving-the-suvat-formula-diagram-1_1
    GeHMeWTL_2-3-1-deriving-the-suvat-formula-diagram-1_2

  • Two of the equations can also be derived using calculus

    • Velocity is found by integrating acceleration

    • Displacement is found by integrating velocity

2-3-1-deriving-the-suvat-formula-diagram-2

Worked Example

Use the constant acceleration equations

s equals 1 half left parenthesis u plus v right parenthesis t and v equals u plus a t

to show that

v squared equals u squared plus 2 a s.

2-3-1-deriving-the-suvat-formula-example-solution

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • If you are asked to derive one of the formulae then the question will likely give you a hint as to which method to use. They may provide a velocity-time graph. Make sure you show each step and state any reasons such as the gradient of the graph being the acceleration.

  • If the question does not ask you to derive the formulae, then you can use them freely without proof.

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Dan Finlay

Author: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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