Kinematics Cheatsheet

Cheat Codes & Shortcuts

• Displacement: \( s = vt \) (constant velocity)
• Average Velocity: \( v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta s}{\Delta t} \)
• Acceleration: \( a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t} \)
• First SUVAT Eq: \( v = u + at \)
• Second SUVAT Eq: \( s = ut + \frac{1}{2} a t^2 \)
• Third SUVAT Eq: \( v^2 = u^2 + 2a s \)
• Free Fall (no air): \( a = g = 9.8\,\text{m/s}^2 \)
• Projectile Range: \( R = \frac{u^2 \sin 2\theta}{g} \)
• Max Height (projectile): \( H_{max} = \frac{u^2 \sin^2 \theta}{2g} \)
• Time of Flight: \( T = \frac{2u \sin \theta}{g} \)

Quick Reference Table

Advice

Kinematics Quick Tips

• Constant velocity: Use \( s = vt \).
• Uniform acceleration: SUVAT equations are valid.
• Free fall: Acceleration is always \( g = 9.8\,\text{m/s}^2 \).
• Projectile motion: Resolve initial velocity into horizontal and vertical components.
• Time symmetry: Upward time equals downward time in projectiles (ignore air resistance).