Physics Kinematics Solver
Master motion problems like a pro! Enter any 3 variables and instantly solve for the unknowns. Perfect for students learning physics, prepping for exams, or tackling homework.
- To solve for time (t): Leave the time box blank, and enter values for initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), and acceleration (a).
- To solve for final velocity (v): Leave the final velocity box blank, and enter values for initial velocity (u), acceleration (a), and time (t).
- To solve for displacement (s): Leave the displacement box blank, and enter values for initial velocity (u), time (t), and acceleration (a).
- Try a real-world scenario: "A car accelerates from rest at 3 m/s² for 5 seconds. What is its final speed?" Enter u = 0, a = 3, t = 5, and leave v blank.
Input Variables
Preset Scenarios
Understanding the Kinematic Variables
Initial Velocity (u)
The speed of the object at the very beginning. If an object "starts from rest," its initial velocity is 0.
Final Velocity (v)
The speed of the object at the end of the time period. If an object "comes to a stop," its final velocity is 0.
Acceleration (a)
The rate at which velocity changes. Positive means speeding up, negative means slowing down. For freefall, this is gravity (9.81 m/s²).
Time (t)
The duration over which the motion occurs. It's the "how long" of the problem, always a positive value.
Displacement (s)
The object's change in position from its start point. It's not always the same as distance traveled! Direction matters.
How a Student Solves Real Problems with Kinematics
Meet Alex, a high school student. In physics class, Alex is asked:
"If you throw a ball straight up with an initial velocity of 15 m/s, how high will it go, and how long will it take to come back down?"
Instead of getting stuck, Alex opens the Kinematics Solver. By entering u = 15 m/s, v = 0 m/s (at the top), and a = -9.81 m/s² (gravity), Alex instantly gets the maximum height and time to reach it. The step-by-step solution helps Alex understand the process, not just the answer.
Whether it's a ball toss, a car braking, or a skateboard jump, this tool helps students visualize and solve real-world motion problems with confidence!
How to Use Our Kinematics Solver (For Students)
1. Input Known Variables
Enter any three of the five kinematic variables (u, v, a, t, s) into their respective fields. Leave the two fields you want to solve for blank. Try using real-life examples from your homework or sports!
2. Click Calculate
The solver instantly uses the right kinematic equations to find the two unknowns. Great for checking your work or learning new problem types.
3. Review Step-by-Step Solution
See a detailed, step-by-step breakdown showing which formulas were used and how the answers were found. Perfect for learning and exam prep.
Understanding the Kinematic Equations
These equations describe the motion of an object with constant acceleration. Our solver can use any combination of them to find your unknowns.
v = u + at
This equation relates final velocity (v) to initial velocity (u), acceleration (a), and time (t). It is used when displacement (s) is not known or required.
s = ut + ½at²
This formula calculates displacement (s) based on initial velocity (u), time (t), and acceleration (a). It is used when final velocity (v) is not known.
v² = u² + 2as
This equation connects final velocity (v) with initial velocity (u), acceleration (a), and displacement (s). It is ideal when time (t) is not part of the problem.
s = ½(u + v)t
This equation finds displacement (s) using the average velocity ( (u+v)/2 ) and time (t). It is used when acceleration (a) is not known.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is kinematics?
Kinematics is a branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause them to move. This solver focuses on motion in one dimension with constant acceleration.
What are the 5 kinematic variables?
The five variables are: s (displacement), u (initial velocity), v (final velocity), a (acceleration), and t (time). They are often referred to by the acronym SUVAT. You can convert between units like meters and feet using our Unit Converter.
When can you use the kinematic equations?
The kinematic equations are only valid for motion with **constant acceleration**. If acceleration is changing, more advanced calculus-based methods are required. Our calculator assumes constant acceleration for all problems.