SUVAT Calculator
Calculate kinematics using the five SUVAT equations of motion
SUVAT Variables
Instructions: Enter exactly 3 known variables to calculate the remaining 2. SUVAT stands for: S-displacement, U-initial velocity,V-final velocity, A-acceleration, T-time.
Variables entered: 0/3
Distance from starting position (can be negative)
Starting velocity of the object
Ending velocity of the object
Rate of change of velocity (can be negative for deceleration)
Duration of motion (must be positive)
Results
You've entered 0 variables. Need 3 more.
SUVAT Equations
Example: Car Acceleration
Problem Setup
Given: u = 0 m/s (starts from rest), v = 30 m/s (final speed), a = 2 m/s² (acceleration)
Find: Time (t) and displacement (s)
Solution Steps
1. Find time using: v = u + at
30 = 0 + 2t → t = 15 seconds
2. Find displacement using: s = ut + ½at²
s = 0×15 + ½×2×15² = 225 meters
Result: Time = 15 s, Displacement = 225 m
Quick Examples
Car Acceleration
Car accelerating from rest to 30 m/s at 2 m/s²
Free Fall
Object falling 100m from rest under gravity
Braking Car
Car braking from 25 m/s to stop
Thrown Ball
Ball thrown upward at 20 m/s after 2 seconds
What is SUVAT?
Displacement
Distance from starting position
Initial Velocity
Starting velocity of motion
Final Velocity
Ending velocity of motion
Acceleration
Rate of change of velocity
Time
Duration of motion
Five SUVAT Equations
v = u + at
Velocity from acceleration
s = ut + ½at²
Displacement from initial conditions
v² = u² + 2as
Velocity without time
s = ½(u + v)t
Displacement from average velocity
s = vt - ½at²
Displacement from final velocity
Understanding SUVAT Equations
What are SUVAT Equations?
SUVAT equations are five fundamental equations of motion that describe objects moving with constant acceleration. They connect displacement, initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, and time.
When to Use SUVAT
Use SUVAT equations when dealing with uniform acceleration problems: falling objects, accelerating vehicles, projectile motion (in one dimension), and any motion with constant acceleration.
Key Principles
The equations assume constant acceleration throughout the motion. You need exactly three known variables to solve for the remaining two. Choose the equation that contains your three knowns and one unknown.
Sign Conventions
Establish a positive direction before solving. Displacement and velocity in the opposite direction are negative. Acceleration opposing motion (deceleration) is negative when motion is in positive direction.
Common Applications
- • Free fall problems
- • Vehicle acceleration/braking
- • Projectile motion (vertical)
- • Elevator motion analysis
Problem-Solving Tips
- • List known and unknown variables
- • Choose appropriate equation
- • Check units and signs
- • Verify physical reasonableness
Educational Value
- • Fundamental kinematics
- • Mathematical modeling
- • Physics problem solving
- • Real-world applications