2 Kinematics

CIE A Level Maths: Mechanics
Revision Notes
A Level Maths: Mechanics CIE Revision Notes

2. Kinematics (Straight Line Motion) 2.1 Kinematics Graphs
2.1.1 Displacement-Time Graphs
2.1.1 Displacement-Time Graphs

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Displacement-Time Graphs
What is a displacement-time graph?

Displacement-time graphs show the displacement of an object from a
fixed origin as it moves in a straight
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They show displacement (on the vertical axis) against time (on the
horizontal axis)
Displacement-time graphs can go below the horizontal axis whereas
distance-time graphs can not
Distance can not be negative whereas displacement can be
What are the key features of a displacement-time graph?

The gradient of the graph equals the velocity of the object
A positive gradient means the object is travelling forwards
A negative gradient means that the object is travelling backwards
The steeper the line, the greater the speed
A straight line shows that the object is moving at a constant velocity

A curved line shows that the object is accelerating or decelerating
A horizontal line shows that the object is stationary
If the graph touches the x-axis, then the object is at the origin at that
time
How do I find the average speed and the average velocity of a journey?
Total distance travelled

Average speed =
Time taken
The average speed can not be negative as speed is a scalar quantity and
can only take a positive value
Displacement from starting point

Average velocity =
Time taken
The average velocity is a vector quantity and can be positive, zero or

negative
Worked example
(a) Calculate the velocity of the athlete during the first 2 seconds.
(b) Describe the motion of the athlete between the times of 2 seconds
and 5 seconds.
(c) Calculate the velocity of the athlete at 10 seconds.
(d) Find the total distanced travelled by the athlete during the 14
seconds.
Exam Tip
Be careful to spot if you are working with a displacement-time graph or
a velocity-time graph.
Be careful to spot if you are working with a displacement-time graph or a
Revision Notes

2. Kinematics (Straight Line Motion) 2.1 Kinematics Graphs 2.1.2 Velocity-Time Graphs
2.1.2 Velocity-Time Graphs

04:02

Velocity-Time Graphs
What is a velocity-time graph?

Velocity- time graphs show the velocity of an object as it moves in a
straight line
They show velocity (on the vertical axis) against time (on the horizontal
axis)
Velocity-time graphs can go below the horizontal axis whereas speed-
time graphs can not
What are the key features of a velocity-time graph?

The gradient of the graph equals the acceleration of an object
A straight line shows that the object is accelerating at a constant rate
A horizontal line shows that the object is moving at a constant velocity
The area between graph and the x-axis tells us the change in
displacement of the object
Graph above the x-axis means the object is moving forwards
Graph below the x-axis means the object is moving backwards
The total displacement of the object from its starting point is the sum of
the areas above the x-axis minus the sum of the areas below the x-axis
The total distance travelled by the object is the sum of all the areas
If the graph touches the x-axis then the object is stationary at that time
If the graph is above the x-axis then the object has positive velocity and
is travelling forwards
If the graph is below the x-axis then the object has negative velocity and
is travelling backwards
Worked example
(a) Calculate the acceleration of the bird at 20 seconds.
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(b) Calculate the distance travelled in the first 28 seconds.

(c) Calculate the displacement of the bird from its starting point after 60
seconds.
Exam Tip
Be careful to spot if you are working with a distance-time graph or a
velocity-time graph.
Be careful to spot if you are working with a speed-time graph or a
Check where the graph starts from on the y-axis, the velocity does not
have to start at 0. For example, the scenario could be a car driving at a
constant speed and the driver sees a hazard.
Be extra vigilant when working with negative gradients or with graphs
under the x-axis, it is easy to make mistakes with these.
Speed is a scalar so it can not be negative whereas velocity can be.
Make sure your units are consistent.

Revision Notes

2. Kinematics (Straight Line Motion) 2.1 Kinematics Graphs 2.1.3 Drawing Travel Graphs
2.1.3 Drawing Travel Graphs

04:10

Drawing Travel Graphs
How do I draw a displacement-time graph or a velocity-time graph?

You may be asked to draw a displacement-time graph or a velocity-
time graph
You will be given information about di!erent sections of a journey and
must draw each section and label the points on the axes
Remember that time will always be on the x-axis
Always remember to include units when you label the axis
Use appropriate facts about the gradient and area under the graph to
work backwards and find relevant or missing information
The gradient of a displacement-time graph is the velocity and the
gradient of a velocity-time graph is the acceleration
The area between a velocity-time graph and the x-axis is the
displacement
Worked example
(a) Sketch a velocity-time graph to show the motion of the train.

(b) Find the deceleration of the train from the moment the brakes were
first applied to the moment its speed first reached 12 m s-1.
(c) Calculate the total time from the moment the brakes were first
applied to the moment the train came to rest.
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Exam Tip
As in the worked example, examiners can use other words, such as
uniformly, to mean constant.
Be careful to spot if you are working with a displacement-time graph or a
Remember that displacement and velocity can be negative whereas
distance and speed can not be negative.
Take care when a velocity-time graph is below the x-axis, if it has a
negative gradient then it is speeding up and moving backwards. If it has a
positive gradient below the x-axis then it is still moving backwards but it
is slowing down.
Think about the units when calculating displacement, velocity and
acceleration.
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Revision Notes

2. Kinematics (Straight Line Motion) 2.2 Variable Acceleration
2.2.1 Using Calculus in 1D
2.2.1 Using Calculus in 1D

05:56

Using Calculus in 1D
How is calculus used in kinematics?
s, v and a are all functions of time

Velocity, v, is the rate of change of displacement, s, with respect to time
Acceleration, a, is the rate of change of velocity, v, with respect to time
Di!erentiate to go from s to v and from v to a
Integrate to go from a to v and from v to s
There will be a constant of integration, c, each time you integrate
The use of calculus can be seen using velocity-time graphs
Acceleration is the gradient which is found using di!erentiation
Displacement is the area under the graph which is found using
integration
How do I find c (the constant of integration) in kinematics?
The value of c can be found by substituting known values, as in integration
for pure maths
Information to find c may be given in words – look out for common
phrases …
“… starting from rest …”: this means v = 0 when t = 0
“… initially …” – this means t = 0
Definite integration in kinematics

Integrating acceleration between two values of time gives the change in
velocity of the object between those times
Integrating velocity between two values of time gives the displacement
of the object between those times
This could be di!erent to the distance travelled between those
times
To find the total distance travelled you would need to calculate the
areas above and below the x-axis separately
Worked example
(a) Find the acceleration of the particle in terms of t .

(a) Find the acceleration of the particle in terms of t .
(b) Find the displacement of the particle, from its starting position, after
3 seconds.
Exam Tip
Look for key words and phrases that indicate scalar, rather than vector
quantities:
“distance …”, “speed” and “magnitude of …” are scalar
Displacement, velocity, acceleration are vectors
A sketch of the velocity-time graph is always helpful as you can use it to
see important features such as times when the object is stationary. This is
especially useful you are asked to find the total distance travelled.

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Revision Notes

2. Kinematics (Straight Line Motion) 2.3 Constant Acceleration
2.3.1 Deriving the suvat Formulae
2.3.1 Deriving the suvat

Formulae
05:02
Deriving the suvat Formulae
What is suvat?
suvat is an acronym for the five quantities used when modelling motion in
a straight-line with constant acceleration
s – displacement (from the starting point)
u – initial velocity
v – final velocity
a – acceleration
t – time
All except time are vector quantities and can be negative

time is a scalar quantity
What are the suvat (constant acceleration) equations?
The five equations for motion in a straight line are:
v = u + at
v 2 = u 2 + 2as
1
s = (u + v)t
2
1
s = ut + at 2
2
1
s = vt − at 2
2
The equations can only be used when the motion has constant
acceleration
All equations connect four of the five quantities
Knowing any three allows a fourth to be found
The first four equations are provided in the exam

1 2
s = vt − at is not given but it is easy to remember as it is very similar
2
1
to s = ut + at 2
2
How do I derive the suvat equations?

The four equations that involve time can be derived from a velocity-time
graph
The velocity-time graph will be a straight line as the acceleration is
constant
The fifth equation can be found by choosing any two of the equations
and eliminating the t variable (see the worked example
Two of the equations can also be derived using calculus
Velocity is found by integrating acceleration
Displacement is found by integrating velocity
Worked example
Use the constant acceleration equations
1
s= (u + v)t and v = u + at
2
to show that
v 2 = u 2 + 2as .
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Exam Tip
If you are asked to derive one of the formulae then the question will likely
give you a hint as to which method to use. They may provide a velocity-
time graph. Make sure you show each step and state any reasons such as
the gradient of the graph being the acceleration.
If the question does not ask you to derive the formulae, then you can use
them freely without proof.


Revision Notes

2. Kinematics (Straight Line Motion) 2.3 Constant Acceleration 2.3.2 suvat in 1D
2.3.2 suvat in 1D
suvat in 1D
:
What are the suvat (constant acceleration) formulae?
For constant acceleration there are five suvat formula:
v = u + at
v 2 = u 2 + 2as
1
s= (u + v)t
2
1 2
s = ut + at
2
1 2
s = vt − at
2
How do I identify values for suvat within a question?
Common phrases for displacement:
"…returns to its starting position …" is a way of saying s = 0
Common phrases for velocity:
“… initially at rest …”, “… stationary …” are ways of saying u = 0
“… comes to rest …” is a way of saying v = 0
Common phrases for acceleration:

“… falls freely …” is a way of saying a = ± g (see the gravity section)
Sometimes you will need to use other techniques (such as Newton's

Laws of Motion) to find the acceleration
How do I solve problems involving suvat?
Step 1: Sketch (or add to) a diagram
Use key information in the question to include all relevant values
Make sure you clearly show which direction you are choosing to be
positive
Choose the positive direction wisely, try to choose the direction
which will result in fewer negative values needed
You could choose the initial direction of motion to be positive or
you could choose the direction of acceleration to be positive.
Step 2: Write down what you know and what you are trying to find
You should know 3 of the variables and need to find a 4th
It’s a good idea to go through each of the letters in the word suvat
and make a note of the ones you know and which one you are trying
to find
Step 3: Select the appropriate equation(s)

Step 4: Solve the equation(s) and problem
Include units in your answer and give your answer in context if
appropriate
Can I use the suvat formulae for vertical motion?

The suvat equations also apply to vertical motion (provided the
acceleration is constant)
The positive direction is particularly important
Acceleration will often be related to gravity

What can harder suvat problems look like?
Some problems involve splitting the motion into more than one part
For example if acceleration has changed (but is constant for each
part)
A key feature of these problems is that v (final velocity) for the first
part of the motion will be u (initial velocity) for the second part of the
motion
Some problems do not appear to give you enough information

You may have to form two equations using the suvat formulae and
solve them simultaneously
There may be more than one particle or multiple stages to the motion
Worked example
(a) Find the speed at the instant that the brakes are applied.
(b) Find the deceleration of the car after the brakes have been applied.
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Exam Tip
If an object is decelerating then its acceleration in that direction is
negative. If you are asked to find the deceleration then you do not need
to include the negative sign as this is implied by the word deceleration.
If you need to use the answer from one part of a question in subsequent
parts then use the full answer rather than the rounded answer, this avoids
loss of accuracy.
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1. Mechanics Toolkit
2. Kinematics (Straight Line Motion)

Revision Notes

2. Kinematics (Straight Line Motion) 2.3 Constant Acceleration
2.3.3 Acceleration due to Gravity
2.3.3 Acceleration due to

Gravity
Acceleration due to Gravity

What is acceleration due to gravity?
If motion is vertical and no other forces are acting on a particle, the

acceleration of the particle will be due to gravity
Acceleration due to gravity is denoted by the letter g
The value for gravity on Earth varies depending on location (the
average value is 9.80665)
Take g = 10 m s-2 unless told otherwise
It is often easier to leave working in terms of g as it sometimes
cancels out or it can be calculated at the end
Some questions may ask for the answer to be left in terms of g
Gravity will always act in the downwards direction towards the earth
If you decide upwards is the positive direction, then a = -g
If you decide downwards is the positive direction then a = g
It is important to be clear about which direction you have decided is
positive
Displacement or Distance?
There is a di"erence between displacement and distance
It is more pronounced in vertical motion problems
Particles typically travel in both directions (up and down)
What goes up must come down!
Displacement, s, is a vector
It is the position of a particle (at time t) relative to its starting position
It only takes into account where the particle started and ended
If a particle has returned to its starting position then its displacement
will be zero
Distance could be …
… the distance from the start
(in which case distance is the magnitude of displacement)
… the distance travelled

… the distance from the origin
(the origin is not necessarily the starting position)
… the distance from another particle
Read the question carefully to be clear about which of these you are
finding
How do I solve suvat problems involving gravity?
Virtually the same as suvat in 1D for horizontal motion
Follow the same steps and be careful with negatives
You might have to spot that gravity is the acceleration by seeing the
phrases:
"falling freely"
"projected"
"thrown/dropped"
A diagram is important to help make clear …

… the positive direction of motion
… the way in which acceleration relates to the positive direction
… di"erences between displacement and distance
Particles moving upwards will reach a maximum height

At the maximum height, velocity is instantaneously zero, v = 0
Worked example
A toy rocket is projected vertically upwards from ground level with initial
speed 18 m s-1.
(a) Find the maximum height the toy rocket reaches.

(b) Find the time taken from the instant the toy rocket is projected to the
instant it returns to the ground.
(a) Find the maximum height the toy rocket reaches.

(b) Find the time taken from the instant the toy rocket is projected to
the instant it returns to the ground.
Exam Tip
If you are asked to find how long it takes before a particle returns to the
ground, you can simply use suvat with
s = 0 if the particle started from the ground
s = -h if the particle started a height of h m above the ground
A common mistake is thinking that the speed of the object when it hits
the ground is zero. This is incorrect! The object will be travelling with a
speed at the instant it hits the ground. It is the impact that causes the
speed to go to zero. For an object travelling vertically under gravity, the
only time the speed is zero is when it is at its maximum height.

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CIE A Level Maths: Mechanics

A Level Maths: Mechanics CIE Revision Notes

2.1.1 Displacement-Time Graphs

Did this video help you? Yes No

What is a displacement-time graph?

What are the key features of a displacement-time graph?

A straight line shows that the object is moving at a constant velocity

Total distance travelled

Displacement from starting point

The average velocity is a vector quantity and can be positive, zero or

(c) Calculate the velocity of the athlete at 10 seconds.

A Level Maths: Mechanics CIE Revision Notes

2.1.2 Velocity-Time Graphs

Did this video help you? Yes No

What is a velocity-time graph?

What are the key features of a velocity-time graph?

(b) Calculate the distance travelled in the first 28 seconds.

Make sure your units are consistent.

A Level Maths: Mechanics CIE Revision Notes

2.1.3 Drawing Travel Graphs

Did this video help you? Yes No

How do I draw a displacement-time graph or a velocity-time graph?

(a) Sketch a velocity-time graph to show the motion of the train.

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A Level Maths: Mechanics CIE Revision Notes

2.2.1 Using Calculus in 1D

Did this video help you? Yes No

How is calculus used in kinematics?

s, v and a are all functions of time

Definite integration in kinematics

(a) Find the acceleration of the particle in terms of t .

You've read 9 of your 10 free revision notes

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Topic Questions Past Papers Model Answers

Videos (Maths and Science)

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A Level Maths: Mechanics CIE Revision Notes

2.3.1 Deriving the suvat

Did this video help you? Yes No

Deriving the suvat Formulae

All except time are vector quantities and can be negative

The first four equations are provided in the exam

How do I derive the suvat equations?

Use the constant acceleration equations

You've read 10 of your 10 free revision notes

Get unlimited access

Downloadable PDFs Unlimited Revision Notes

Topic Questions Past Papers Model Answers

A Level Maths: Mechanics CIE Revision Notes

Did this video help you? Yes No

Common phrases for acceleration:

Sometimes you will need to use other techniques (such as Newton's

Step 3: Select the appropriate equation(s)

Can I use the suvat formulae for vertical motion?

Acceleration will often be related to gravity