Do the SUVAT equations work for acceleration that changes with time?

It depends on how much it changes. For instance, if some object does undergo as good as makes no difference constant acceleration, then the SUVAT equations apply quite well to the circumstances at play. If there is a non-negligeable time dependency made of the acceleration by the phenomena at play, then the strength of the SUVAT equations is greatly reduced as they are derived from assuming that if an object is in motion, the acceleration of that object is uniform. When the acceleration is indisputably non-uniform then the results drawn from assuming the uniformity that isn't there will be greatly deviated from reality.

Answered by Physics tutor

3370 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

State Ohm's Law and the main characteristics of ohmic conductors, giving examples


A particle of mass 5kg is moving in circular motion with a time period of 2 seconds. The radius of the circle is 10m. What is the centripetal force on the particle


An ideal gas within a closed system undergoes an isothermal expansion from an initial volume of 1m^3 to 2m^3. Given that the initial pressure of the gas is 10^5 Pa, find the final pressure of the gas following the expansion.


Can a projectile of speed 10m/s at an angle of 45° to the horizontal following a path perpendicular to a wall 8m away and 6m high reach beyond the wall? Justify your answer. Take g as 10m/s/s


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