Name: ______________________________
Kinematic Equations and Problem Solving
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Unit 3 Learning Target(s): ______________
There are four equations derived for motion that can be utilized to predict unknown information about an object's
motion if other information is known.
o
The equations can be utilized for any motion that can be described as being either a constant
___________________________________ or a constant _______________________________ motion.
o
They can never be used over any time period during which the acceleration is ______________________.
They are summarized below. See pages 98 – 99 in your text for the derivations of these equations.
o
There are several variable designations you need to be aware of when solving constant velocity or
constant acceleration problems. They are listed below:
d = displacement [m] ((d - do) in textbook)
vi = initial velocity [m/s] (vo in textbook)
vf = final velocity [m/s]
a = acceleration [m/s2]
Equation
t = time [s]
Variables Given / Needed
Initial Conditions
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General process for solving constant velocity / acceleration problems. (G. U. E. S. S. Method)
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Givens:

Unknown:

Equation:

Substitute:
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Solve:
Practice Problems:
For the following problems list the variables and initial conditions. Then write the equation you would use to solve the
problem. Finally solve the problem.
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A car accelerates from 10 m/s to 15 m/s in 3.0 s. How far does the car travel in this time?

A racing car accelerates at 4.5 m/s2 from rest. What is the car’s velocity after it has traveled 35.0 m?

A Boeing 747 must reach a speed of 81.0 m/s to takeoff. If the runway is 2000 m long, what is the minimum
acceleration required for this aircraft to takeoff safely?
Check for Understanding
 A car initially traveling at 15 m/s accelerates at a constant 4.5 m/s2 through a distance of 45 m. How long does it
take the car to cover this distance?

A ball rolls past a mark on an incline at 0.40 m/s. If the ball has a constant acceleration of 0.20 m/s2, what is its
velocity 3.0 s after it passes the mark?
Please complete PS 3A.
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