1. Velocity-Time Equation: v = u + at
2. Displacement-Time Equation: s = ut + (1/2)at²
3. Velocity-Displacement Equation: v² = u² + 2as
These three equations cover the basic relationships between displacement (s), initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), acceleration (a), and time (t).
Where does the idea of a fourth equation come from?
Sometimes, people refer to a fourth equation that involves the displacement and time, but it's usually derived from the existing three equations. One example is:
* Displacement-Time Equation (with initial velocity zero): s = (1/2)at²
This equation is just a special case of the second equation of motion where the initial velocity (u) is zero.
Key Point: It's important to understand that the three standard equations of motion provide a complete set for solving problems involving constant acceleration. Additional equations are often just derived from these basic ones.