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Mechanics

Quick questions on Kinematics: the suvat equations, motion graphs and variable acceleration - OCR A-Level Maths A

7short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What are the suvat equations?
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When acceleration is constant, the five quantities ss (displacement), uu (initial velocity), vv (final velocity), aa (acceleration) and tt (time) are linked by the standard equations.
What is motion under gravity?
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A body moving freely under gravity has constant acceleration g=9.8g = 9.8 m s−2^{-2} downwards. Choose a positive direction and keep signs consistent: if up is positive then a=−9.8a = -9.8, and at the highest point v=0v = 0.
What are motion graphs?
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On a displacement-time graph the gradient is velocity. On a velocity-time graph the gradient is acceleration and the area under the graph is the displacement. Reading gradients and areas turns a graph into the motion.
What is choosing the right suvat equation?
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The skill is matching the equation to the four quantities involved. List s,u,v,a,ts, u, v, a, t, mark what you know and what you want, and pick the equation missing the one variable you neither know nor need.
What is sign errors under gravity?
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Fix a positive direction at the start and keep uu, vv, aa and ss consistent with it; mixing signs is the most common slip.
What is q1?
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A car travels from rest at a=2a = 2 m s−2^{-2} for 55 s. Find its final speed and the distance covered. [3 marks]
What is q2?
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A particle has displacement s=2t3−9t2s = 2t^3 - 9t^2. Find its acceleration at t=2t = 2. [3 marks]

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