SUVAT questions involve using the five equations
To answer a SUVAT question you need three of the quantities s, u, v, a or t. Often however the values of some of these quantities is hidden behind phrases used in the question. Typical phrases and their meaning are shown in the table below.
|
Phrase in Question |
s |
u |
v |
a |
t |
|
initial conditions |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
at the origin |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
starts from rest |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
stationary |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
reverses |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
maximum height |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
constant velocity |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
max/min velocity |
|
|
|
|
|
Example: A car starts from rest and accelerates at 2 m/s2 for 3s. Find the distance moved.
The phrase 'starts from rest' implies
