What are the SUVAT equations used for?

The SUVAT equations are used for describing objects undergoing constant acceleration in a straight line.

In the SUVAT equations, all variables are vector quantities except .......... .

In the SUVAT equations, all variables are vector quantities except time , t .

What does the phrase 'starts from rest' tell you in a SUVAT problem?

It means the initial velocity , u = 0.

Why does it not matter whether you choose upwards or downwards as positive in a SUVAT problem?

As long as the chosen sign convention is applied consistently to all vector quantities ( s , u , v , a ) throughout the problem.

True or False? The SUVAT equations can be applied to motion with changing, non-uniform acceleration.

False. SUVAT equations only apply to motion with constant acceleration in a straight line.

What is a ticker timer ?

A device that places a tick (dot) on a paper tape, threaded through it, at regular intervals of time; used to analyse the motion of a trolley the tape is attached to.

Why are air tracks used to investigate collisions between gliders?

Air tracks reduce friction , minimising the energy lost, so the collision is kept as close to elastic as possible.

A .......... is an electronic device that records data at regular time intervals, or when triggered by a sensor such as a light gate.

A data logger is an electronic device that records data at regular time intervals, or when triggered by a sensor such as a light gate.

What two things must be known to use a video technique to investigate motion?

The frames per second (to determine time) and a known distance , usually from a ruler placed in shot.

True or False? Data loggers eliminate the error caused by human reflex speed when timing an experiment.

True. Data loggers are often used as a more accurate way of measuring time, eliminating the error from the human reflex speed needed to stop and start a stopwatch.

What features do trolleys have that make them suitable for investigating speed, acceleration and momentum?

A light block of wood or plastic, ball-bearing wheels to reduce friction, a spring-loaded plunger for collisions and a flat top surface for stacking or adding masses.

Name three experiments used to investigate motion and collisions.

Measuring the speed and acceleration of trolleys down a ramp Collisions between trolleys on an air track, Determination of g from an object in freefall Terminal velocity of a falling object

Define the acceleration of free fall , g .

The acceleration of any object in response to the gravitational attraction between the Earth and the object; on Earth, g = 9.81 m s -2 .

In the experiment to determine g , what are the independent and dependent variables?

Independent variable = height , h . Dependent variable = time , t .

When 2 h / t is plotted against t in the determination of g experiment, the gradient of the straight line is equal to ..........

When 2 h / t is plotted against t in the determination of g experiment, the gradient of the straight line is equal to g .

What systematic error can cause the measured time, t , to be recorded as longer than it should be in the g experiment?

Residual magnetism remaining after the electromagnet is switched off, which delays the release of the ball bearing.

Give two random errors in the experiment to determine g .

Large uncertainty in h from the 1 mm precision of the metre rule Parallax error when reading h The ball not falling exactly through the centre of each light gate

True or False? The acceleration of free fall is the same for all objects, regardless of mass, provided no other forces act on them.

True. Any object released will accelerate downwards at g as long as no external forces (e.g. air resistance) act on it, irrespective of its mass.

What does the y -intercept of the 2 h / t against t graph represent in the g experiment?

The y -intercept represents 2 u , twice the initial velocity of the ball bearing.

Define thinking distance .

The distance travelled by the vehicle from when the driver sees a problem to when the brakes are applied .

Define braking distance .

The distance travelled by the vehicle after the driver has applied the brake.

Stopping distance = .......... distance + braking distance.

Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance.

Why is braking distance proportional to the square of the initial speed, u 2 ?

Because all of the vehicle's kinetic energy (½ mv 2 ) must be dissipated by the brakes in order to bring it to a stop.

Name three factors that affect thinking distance.

Initial speed , intoxication (alcohol or drugs), distractions (e.g. mobile phone) and tiredness.

Name three factors that affect braking distance.

Initial speed , mass of the vehicle, poor road conditions (e.g. icy, wet) and poor car conditions (e.g. worn brakes).

True or False? If a car's speed doubles, its braking distance also doubles.

False. Braking distance is proportional to the square of the initial speed, so doubling the speed quadruples the braking distance.

Define the time of flight of a projectile.

Time of flight is how long the projectile is in the air.

Define the maximum height attained attained by a projectile.

The height at which the projectile is momentarily at rest (its vertical velocity is zero).

Define the range of a projectile.

Range is the horizontal distance travelled by the projectile.

In projectile motion, the horizontal velocity is .......... , while there is constant acceleration in the perpendicular, vertical direction.

In projectile motion, the horizontal velocity is constant , while there is constant acceleration in the perpendicular, vertical direction.

True or False? The vertical and horizontal components of a projectile's motion must be solved together, using the same SUVAT equation.

False. The vertical and horizontal components must be evaluated separately , each with their own SUVAT equations.

A LevelPhysicsOCRFlashcards3. Forces & MotionLinear & Projectile Motion

Linear & Projectile Motion (OCR A Level Physics): Flashcards

Exam code: H556

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What are the SUVAT equations used for?

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Cards in this collection (39)

What are the SUVAT equations used for?
The SUVAT equations are used for describing objects undergoing constant acceleration in a straight line.
In the SUVAT equations, all variables are vector quantities except ...........
In the SUVAT equations, all variables are vector quantities except time, t.
What does the phrase 'starts from rest' tell you in a SUVAT problem?
It means the initial velocity, u = 0.
Which SUVAT equation can you use to calculate displacement $s$ when you don't know the final velocity $v$ ?
$s = u t + \frac{1}{2} a t^{2}$
Where:
- $s$ = displacement, measured in metres (m)
- $u$ = initial velocity, measured in metres per second (m s^–1)
- $t$ = time, measured in seconds (s)
- $a$ = acceleration, measured in metres per second squared (m s^–2)
Which SUVAT equation can you use to calculate final velocity $v$ when you don't know the displacement $s$ ?
$v = u + a t$
Where:
- $v$ = final velocity, measured in metres per second (m s^–1)
- $u$ = initial velocity, measured in metres per second (m s^–1)
- $a$ = acceleration, measured in metres per second squared (m s^–2)
- $t$ = time, measured in seconds (s)
Which SUVAT equation can you use to calculate displacement $s$ when you don't know the acceleration $a$ ?
$s = \frac{(v + u)}{2} t$
Where:
- $s$ = displacement, measured in metres (m)
- $v$ = final velocity, measured in metres per second (m s^–1)
- $u$ = initial velocity, measured in metres per second (m s^–1)
- $t$ = time, measured in seconds (s)
Which SUVAT equation can you use to calculate final velocity $v$ when you don't know the time $t$ ?
$v^{2} = u^{2} + 2 a s$
Where:
- $v$ = final velocity, measured in metres per second (m s^–1)
- $u$ = initial velocity, measured in metres per second (m s^–1)
- $a$ = acceleration, measured in metres per second squared (m s^–2)
- $s$ = displacement, measured in metres (m)
What value of acceleration, a, is used for an object that is 'falling due to gravity'?
a = g = 9.81 m s^-2.
Why does it not matter whether you choose upwards or downwards as positive in a SUVAT problem?
As long as the chosen sign convention is applied consistently to all vector quantities (s, u, v, a) throughout the problem.
True or False?
The SUVAT equations can be applied to motion with changing, non-uniform acceleration.
False.
SUVAT equations only apply to motion with constant acceleration in a straight line.
What is a ticker timer?
A device that places a tick (dot) on a paper tape, threaded through it, at regular intervals of time; used to analyse the motion of a trolley the tape is attached to.
Why are air tracks used to investigate collisions between gliders?
Air tracks reduce friction, minimising the energy lost, so the collision is kept as close to elastic as possible.
A .......... is an electronic device that records data at regular time intervals, or when triggered by a sensor such as a light gate.
A data logger is an electronic device that records data at regular time intervals, or when triggered by a sensor such as a light gate.
What two things must be known to use a video technique to investigate motion?
The frames per second (to determine time) and a known distance, usually from a ruler placed in shot.
True or False?
Data loggers eliminate the error caused by human reflex speed when timing an experiment.
True.
Data loggers are often used as a more accurate way of measuring time, eliminating the error from the human reflex speed needed to stop and start a stopwatch.
What features do trolleys have that make them suitable for investigating speed, acceleration and momentum?
A light block of wood or plastic, ball-bearing wheels to reduce friction, a spring-loaded plunger for collisions and a flat top surface for stacking or adding masses.
Name three experiments used to investigate motion and collisions.
- Measuring the speed and acceleration of trolleys down a ramp
- Collisions between trolleys on an air track,
- Determination of g from an object in freefall
- Terminal velocity of a falling object
Define the acceleration of free fall, g.
The acceleration of any object in response to the gravitational attraction between the Earth and the object; on Earth, g = 9.81 m s^-2.
In the experiment to determine g, what are the independent and dependent variables?
Independent variable = height, h. Dependent variable = time, t.
When 2h/t is plotted against t in the determination of g experiment, the gradient of the straight line is equal to ..........
When 2h/t is plotted against t in the determination of g experiment, the gradient of the straight line is equal to g.
What systematic error can cause the measured time, t, to be recorded as longer than it should be in the g experiment?
Residual magnetism remaining after the electromagnet is switched off, which delays the release of the ball bearing.
Give two random errors in the experiment to determine g.
- Large uncertainty in h from the 1 mm precision of the metre rule
- Parallax error when reading h
- The ball not falling exactly through the centre of each light gate
True or False?
The acceleration of free fall is the same for all objects, regardless of mass, provided no other forces act on them.
True.
Any object released will accelerate downwards at g as long as no external forces (e.g. air resistance) act on it, irrespective of its mass.
What does the y-intercept of the 2h/t against t graph represent in the g experiment?
The y-intercept represents 2u, twice the initial velocity of the ball bearing.
Define thinking distance.
The distance travelled by the vehicle from when the driver sees a problem to when the brakes are applied.
Define braking distance.
The distance travelled by the vehicle after the driver has applied the brake.
Stopping distance = .......... distance + braking distance.
Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance.
Why is braking distance proportional to the square of the initial speed, u²?
Because all of the vehicle's kinetic energy (½mv²) must be dissipated by the brakes in order to bring it to a stop.
Name three factors that affect thinking distance.
Initial speed, intoxication (alcohol or drugs), distractions (e.g. mobile phone) and tiredness.
Name three factors that affect braking distance.
Initial speed, mass of the vehicle, poor road conditions (e.g. icy, wet) and poor car conditions (e.g. worn brakes).
True or False?
If a car's speed doubles, its braking distance also doubles.
False.
Braking distance is proportional to the square of the initial speed, so doubling the speed quadruples the braking distance.
Define the time of flight of a projectile.
Time of flight is how long the projectile is in the air.
Define the maximum height attained attained by a projectile.
The height at which the projectile is momentarily at rest (its vertical velocity is zero).
Define the range of a projectile.
Range is the horizontal distance travelled by the projectile.
What is the vertical component of acceleration of an object in projectile motion?
The vertical component of acceleration of a projectile is the acceleration due to gravity
- when moving vertically upwards: $g$ = -9.8 m s⁻²
- when moving vertically downwards: $g$ = +9.8 m s⁻²
In projectile motion, the horizontal velocity is .........., while there is constant acceleration in the perpendicular, vertical direction.
In projectile motion, the horizontal velocity is constant, while there is constant acceleration in the perpendicular, vertical direction.
True or False?
The vertical and horizontal components of a projectile's motion must be solved together, using the same SUVAT equation.
False.
The vertical and horizontal components must be evaluated separately, each with their own SUVAT equations.
How do you calculate the horizontal distance, $D$ , travelled by an object in projectile motion?
The horizontal distance is calculated using: $D = u t$
Where:
- $u$ = initial horizontal velocity (m s^-1)
- $t$ = time of flight (s)
What is the equation for the horizontal component of the velocity of an object in projectile motion?
The equation for the horizontal component of the velocity of an object in projectile motion is: $v_{x} = u \cos θ$
Where:
- $v_{x}$ = horizontal component of velocity, measured in metres per second (m s^-1)
- $u$ = resultant velocity of the projectile, measured in metres per second (m s^-1)
- $θ$ = angle of the projectile to the horizontal, measured in degrees ( $°$ )

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