SPH3U – 1.

5 Date: ______________________________

1.5 Five Kinematics Equations for Uniform Acceleration

Learning Goals:
1. To use the 5 kinematics equations to solve problems involving motion in 1D.

Uniform acceleration occurs when the velocity of an object changes but the acceleration is a
constant value. There are five kinematics equations below that you will use for the rest of your
physics career. In this course, you will be provided with an equation sheet for tests and quizzes, so
you do not need to memorize these equations. You will be responsible for understanding how to
use them.

Equation Variables found in Equation Variable not in Equation

Steps to solve kinematics problems

1. Read the question and identify the given information and variables. You will typically be given
three pieces of information and be asked to solve for a fourth.

2. Set up a sign convention; usually anything to the right or up is positive, left and down is negative.

3. Choose the equation that has all four required variables (there will only be one!)

4. Rearrange the equation to isolate the required variable.

5. Check for units and directions, then plug in your given numbers and solve.

6. Write a therefore statement.

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SPH3U – 1.5 Date: ______________________________

Example 1. A football player initially at rest accelerates uniformly as she runs down the field,
travelling 17 m [E] in 3.8 s. What is her final velocity?

Example 2. A helicopter travelling at a velocity of 15 m/s [W] accelerates uniformly at a rate of

7 𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠 2 [E] for 4 s. What is the helicopter’s final velocity?

IP – p.39 #1, 2, 4 - 6 AND 1.6 PR Notes

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