Library
Physics

Understanding Motion: Speed and Distance

An intuitive exploration of constant acceleration, visualising how speed builds over time and how distance is covered by the accumulation of that speed.

Scene 1 of 4
Defining Our Starting Point
u=0 m/s,a=2 m/s2,t=5 su = 0 \text{ m/s}, \quad a = 2 \text{ m/s}^2, \quad t = 5 \text{ s}
To track a car's motion, we first identify what we know. The car starts from rest, meaning its initial velocity is zero, and it gains speed steadily.
Step-by-step solver
1

(a) Identify variables

List the known physical quantities from the problem statement.

u=0 m/s,a=2 m/s2,t=5 su = 0 \text{ m/s}, \quad a = 2 \text{ m/s}^2, \quad t = 5 \text{ s}
2

(b) Calculate final speed

Use the first equation of motion to find the velocity after the acceleration period.

v=u+at=0+(2)(5)=10 m/sv = u + at = 0 + (2)(5) = 10 \text{ m/s}
3

(c) Calculate distance

Use the displacement formula for constant acceleration.

s=ut+12at2=(0)(5)+12(2)(25)=25 ms = ut + \tfrac{1}{2}at^2 = (0)(5) + \tfrac{1}{2}(2)(25) = 25 \text{ m}

Original question

A car starts from rest and accelerates at 2 m/s^2 for 5 seconds. Calculate its final speed and the distance it travels in that time.

Follow-up chat

Ask me anything about this lesson — I'll answer using what we just covered.