In some SUVAT questions, they ask for 2 time solutions and I can only find 1. What am I missing?

Let's say we are trying to work out how long it will take for a ball to be caught after it has been thrown straight upwards. If we set the final displacement to be zero (S=0) and solve S=UT+0.5AT2, it appears that we only get one value for T. However, there will always be a step in your workings when you can cancel a T from both sides of the equation, for example: 5T2 = 100T can be simplified to 5T = 100. In this step, we miss out a solution that T=0! This corresponds to when the ball is just about to be thrown so is still in our hands (hence we have a solution for zero displacement!)

CI
Answered by Christopher I. Physics tutor

3650 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

An object has a mass of 10kg and sits on a slope with an angle of elevation of 45 degrees. work out the reaction force of the object to the slope and the force acting down the slope. (3/4 marks)


Why is 0°C ice more effective at cooling a drink than 0°C water of the same mass?


What is the difference between linearly, directly and inversely proportional relationships?


Describe, using a diagram, the forces acting on the system of an object tethered to a string, rotating around a fixed point in free space. Will the string ever become horizontal?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning