Do the SUVAT equations work for acceleration that changes with time?

It depends on how much it changes. For instance, if some object does undergo as good as makes no difference constant acceleration, then the SUVAT equations apply quite well to the circumstances at play. If there is a non-negligeable time dependency made of the acceleration by the phenomena at play, then the strength of the SUVAT equations is greatly reduced as they are derived from assuming that if an object is in motion, the acceleration of that object is uniform. When the acceleration is indisputably non-uniform then the results drawn from assuming the uniformity that isn't there will be greatly deviated from reality.

Answered by Physics tutor

3125 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

2 identical trolleys of mass M(one is loaded with 2 blocks of mass m) are on a ramp inclined at 35° and are connected by a wire that passes around a pulley at the top of the ramp. They are released and accelerate accordingly. Show that a=(mgsin35°)/(M+m).


How does energy flow from voltage source to resistor in a simple DC circuit?


If a car is travelling over a curved hill, what is the maximum speed it can travel before losing contact with the road surface?


Using Newton's law of universal gravitation, show that T^2 is proportional to r^3 (where T is the orbital period of a planet around a star, and r is the distance between them).


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning