Kinematics (AS Unit 2: Applied Mathematics A) — WJEC A-Level Mathematics
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Kinematics (AS Unit 2: Applied Mathematics A) explained
Rectilinear motion with uniform acceleration a is governed by five suvat equations linking displacement s, initial velocity u, final velocity v, acceleration a, and time t.
Read the full explanation
Derived from linear velocity-time graphs: gradient gives a = (v − u)/t, yielding v = u + at. Area of a trapezium gives s = ½(u + v)t. Substituting v into the area formula gives s = ut + ½at²; eliminating u gives s = vt − ½at²; eliminating t yields v² = u² + 2as. Candidates select the unique equation containing the three knowns and one target variable, maintaining consistent directional sign conventions throughout (e.g. upwards positive).
Your focus
- Derive the five constant acceleration formulae using velocity-time graphs and algebraic elimination.
- Select and apply the appropriate suvat equation to solve one-dimensional motion problems.
- Enforce rigorous directional sign conventions when modelling vertical motion under gravity.
Kinematics (AS Unit 2: Applied Mathematics A) exam tips
Marking Points
- setting up a clear sign convention and listing known and unknown suvat variables
- selecting and substituting into the appropriate constant acceleration formula
- deriving a suvat formula (e.g. from the gradient or area of a velocity-time graph or algebraic elimination)
- solving the resulting linear or quadratic equation to find the correct physical quantity
Examiner Tips
- 💡List s, u, v, a, t with their signs at the start of every kinematics calculation.
- 💡When solving quadratic equations in t, discard negative or extraneous roots with physical justification.
Common Mistakes
- mixing positive and negative signs for vector quantities (such as initial upward velocity and downward acceleration)
- applying suvat equations to scenarios where acceleration varies with time