Linear Motion Explorer
These motion equations apply only in the case of constant acceleration. It is assumed that x=0 at t=0 and that the motion is being examined at time t. After you have edited any box of motion data, click on the text or symbol for the quantity you wish to calculate. If it does not behave the way you expect, see the comments on the calculation.
Index Motion concepts
Comments on Motion Explorer
In the example motion calculation, some assumptions are made about the calculation order. It is intended to be an exploration exercise, and may not conveniently solve all problems. The motion equations represent a complete set of equations for constant acceleration motion, but in certain types of problems, intermediate results must be calculated before proceeding to the final calculation. In the example calculation, you may have to do intermediate calculations, e.g., to establish the final velocity, in order to set up the problem you wish to solve, just as if you were working the problem with calculator and paper.
In the example calculation, the time, initial velocity, and displacement were considered given (primary) unless they were being calculated . For example,if x is being calculated, then v is assumed given, so it must be calculated first if you want to specify a. After making substitutions, not all values are updated, so to be sure a specific parameter has been updated, click on the text or symbol associated with that parameter.
Index Motion concepts