Physics
Uniform acceleration: finding final velocity
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. When acceleration stays constant, final velocity is v = u + at, where u is initial velocity, a is acceleration and t is elapsed time.
Example
A cyclist starts at 2 m/s and accelerates at 3 m/s² for 4 s. Final velocity = 2 + 3 × 4 = 14 m/s. This relation assumes constant acceleration over those 4 seconds.
Check yourself: A body starts from rest and accelerates at 2 m/s² for 5 s. What is its final velocity?
Show answer and reasoning
10 m/s: v = 0 + 2 × 5. Starting from rest means u = 0.
