SUVAT Equations of Motion and Projectile Motion

Vocabulary flashcards covering SUVAT definitions, equations of motion, horizontal and vertical kinematics, and projectile motion principles.

Displacement ($s$)

The distance moved in a specified direction, measured in meters ($\text{m}$).

Initial velocity ($u$)

The velocity of an object at the start of a time interval, measured in meters per second ($\text{m/s}$).

Final velocity ($v$)

The velocity of an object at the end of a time interval, measured in meters per second ($\text{m/s}$).

Acceleration ($a$)

The rate of change of velocity, measured in meters per second squared ($\text{m/s}^2$).

Time ($t$)

The duration of motion, measured in seconds ($\text{s}$).

$$v = u + a t$$

The core 1D kinematic equation missing displacement ($s$).

$$s = u t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$$

The core 1D kinematic equation missing final velocity ($v$).

$$v^2 = u^2 + 2 a s$$

The core 1D kinematic equation missing time ($t$).

$$s = \frac{1}{2} (u + v) t$$

The core 1D kinematic equation missing acceleration ($a$).

Horizontal motion

Motion where acceleration is zero ($a = 0$), resulting in a constant velocity ($v = u$) and displacement calculated using $s = u t$.

Vertical motion

Motion under constant acceleration due to gravity ($a = g = 9.8\,\text{m/s}^2$), where vertical velocity changes uniformly.

Projectile motion

Motion that combines independent horizontal motion ($a = 0$) and vertical motion ($a = g$), linked by shared time ($t$).

Dropped from rest

A vertical motion scenario where the initial velocity is zero ($u = 0\,\text{m/s}$).

Maximum height (vertical throw)

The apex of a thrown projectile's flight where vertical velocity momentarily becomes zero ($v = 0\,\text{m/s}$).

Core kinematic equations table

A table listing the four core 1D SUVAT equations alongside their missing variables.

Horizontal motion equations table

A reference table showing $s = u t$ and $v = u$ for horizontal motion with zero acceleration.

Vertical motion equations table

A summary table of kinematic equations adapted for vertical motion under acceleration due to gravity ($a = g$).

Projectile motion direction table

A summary table detailing acceleration and velocity behavior across horizontal and vertical components.