Constant Acceleration Calculations (TUVAS)

Constant acceleration equations

S = UT + 1/2AT2

S = VT - 1/2VT2

S = 1/2(U + V)T

V2 = U2 +2AS

V = U +AT

 Free Fall 

All objects on Earth experience a force due to the Earths gravitational field. The gravitational field strength of the Earth is 9.81 NKg-1. The force on an object due to gravity is called weight. When the only force acting on an object is its weight then it will undergo free fall.

Projectile motion

Horizontal and vertical components are completely independent. The curved path is due to the horizontal velocity remaining constant whilst the vertical velocity is affected by the acceleration due to gravity. If an object is projected at an angle resolve the initial velocity into verticle and horizontal components.

 Displacement-Time Graphs 

A graph of displacement against time for an accelerating object will always produce a curve. If the object is accelerating uniformly then the rate of change of the gradient is constant. The larger the acceleration the larger the gradient. If the object is decelerating then the curve curves the opposite way.