Kinematics Equations
The main equations will be asterisked NOTE: You will NOT be expected to do this on a test, but it is important to know these equations come from somewhere and were not arbitrarily made up.
Let’s start with what you know, the equation we use for constant or average velocity Now rearrange and solve for displacement
If I wanted that velocity to be an average velocity between two points, an initial and final velocity, what would you change?
Let’s start with another equation you know, the acceleration equation This can be rearranged and set equal to v F
Take And substitute it into
Simplify the equation
Take Rearrange it so that it is equal to t
Now substitute it into
You should get this Now simplifyagainAnd again
The final form should be
AKA “blue equation” AKA “Orange Equation”
AKA “red equation”
AKA “Light Green Equation” AKA “Dark green Equation”
Using these equations There are a total of five (5) variables that are used in combination in these equations: v F, v i, a, t and d. You choose the equation based on what variables you have and which you need.