When do you use each of the SUVAT equations? I am slightly confused about projectile motion.

Motion is a topic in physics that is sometimes hard to understand. When we talk about motion we think about acceleration, velocity, time and displacement. In the case of projectile motion, we usually discuss the launching of a body at a certain angle from the ground. As it is being launched at an angle, we must consider the displacement, velocity and acceleration variables in both the x and y directions. We will thus use expressions involving sines and cosines. In addition, another important detail to consider is evaluating whether the motion is uniform or non-uniform. In other words, whether acceleration is constant or not.
In most problems, acceleration will be treated as a constant variable which will allow us to use the four equations relating initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, time taken and distance travelled. Depending of which variables are known and noting that at the maximum height, the velocity will be zero, the problem may be solved. In order to better understand this, several examples may be used and solved. Additionally, several equations will often be used in the same question so as to find the desired variable.

Answered by Julieta P. Physics tutor

2301 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Why is centripetal acceleration directed inwards to the centre of the circle during centripetal motion? If I’m in a car while it’s cornering, I seem to be pushed outwards away from the centre, not inwards.


Could you please explain how does a general pulley system work and how I can solve problems associated with those?


Explain why increase in current results in higher temperature of the wire.


Alternating current produced by the generator in a nuclear power plant is supplied to the primary coil of a transformer. Explain, with reference to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, how a current arises in the secondary coil.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences