💡
How It Works
Click 3 variable buttons to mark as Known (green). Enter their values, then click "Solve". The solver automatically picks the right kinematic formulas and calculates the 2 unknowns with step-by-step solutions!
Select Known Variables
Choose exactly 3 variables you know
📚 Quick Examples
Car Braking
u=20, a=-5, t=4
Rocket Launch
u=0, a=10, t=5
Ball Throw
u=15, v=0, a=-10
Train Start
u=0, s=100, t=10
Ready to Solve!
Select 3 known variables, enter their values, then click "Solve for Unknowns"
Understanding Kinematic Equations (SUVAT)
Kinematics is the branch of physics that describes the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion. The five kinematic variables are: initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), acceleration (a), displacement (s), and time (t).
The Five SUVAT Equations
v = u + at
No displacement (s)
s = ut + ½at²
No final velocity (v)
s = vt - ½at²
No initial velocity (u)
v² = u² + 2as
No time (t)
s = ½(u + v)t
No acceleration (a)
How to Use This Calculator
- Identify known values: From your physics problem, determine which 3 of the 5 variables you know
- Select variables: Click the buttons for your 3 known variables (they turn green)
- Enter values: Type in your known values with appropriate units
- Solve: Click "Solve for Unknowns" to calculate the remaining 2 variables
- Study the solution: Review the step-by-step calculation and graphs
Tips for Problem Solving
- Direction matters: Assign positive/negative signs based on your chosen direction
- Units consistency: Make sure all values use consistent units (SI: m, m/s, m/s², s)
- Free fall: Use a = -9.8 m/s² (or +9.8 if downward is positive)
- Starting from rest: If an object starts from rest, u = 0
- Maximum height: At the highest point, v = 0
Real-World Applications
- Vehicle safety: Calculating braking distances and stopping times
- Sports science: Analyzing athlete performance and projectile motion
- Engineering: Designing elevators, roller coasters, and transportation systems
- Aerospace: Planning rocket launches and spacecraft trajectories