The Meaning of Phrases Used in SUVAT Questions

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

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