Constant-acceleration kinematics
Closed formulas require constant acceleration over the interval.
Key knowledge
For constant vector acceleration a, position and velocity evolve as v=v₀+aΔt and r=r₀+v₀Δt+aΔt²/2. In one dimension, v²=v₀²+2a(x−x₀). The formulas describe free fall only when gravity is adequately uniform and other forces are negligible.
Values and equations
v=v₀+aΔt; r=r₀+v₀Δt+½aΔt²; v_x²=v_x0²+2a_x(x−x₀)
- v,v₀,v_x,v_x0
- Final/initial velocities and their one-dimensional components m s⁻¹
- r,r₀,x,x₀
- Final/initial positions and Cartesian components m
- a,a_x
- Constant vector acceleration and its x component m s⁻²
- Δt
- Elapsed time s
Conditions and scope
- Acceleration must be constant in the chosen nonrotating Cartesian frame over the interval.
- For a changing acceleration, integrate the actual acceleration; substituting an average acceleration does not generally give the correct displacement.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Read §3.4 constant-acceleration assumption and derivations of velocity, position and distance formulas. Vector formulas are componentwise applications in fixed Cartesian axes; exclude the source’s suggestion that arbitrary average acceleration also preserves displacement.
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Entry details
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- foundation-physics-constant-acceleration
- Revision
- foundations-refresh.1
- Structured reference record
- Foundational reference additions