Physics · Grades 9–12
Displacement with constant acceleration
Displacement may be negative; do not automatically take its absolute value.
Rule and assumptions
Displacement may be negative; do not automatically take its absolute value.
s = ut + ½at²
Worked examples
Use one signed axis. Initial velocity is 6 m/s and constant acceleration is -3 m/s² for 4 s. Find the displacement. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in m.
s = ut + ½at² 6 × 4 + 0.5 × (-3) × 4² = 0
0 m
Use one signed axis. Initial velocity is 20 m/s and constant acceleration is 6 m/s² for 5 s. Find the displacement. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in m.
s = ut + ½at² 20 × 5 + 0.5 × (6) × 5² = 175
175 m
Try two questions
Use one signed axis. Initial velocity is 2 m/s and constant acceleration is 4 m/s² for 10 s. Find the displacement. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in m.
Use one signed axis. Initial velocity is 3 m/s and constant acceleration is 4 m/s² for 11 s. Find the displacement. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in m.
Answers and reasoning
Answers and marking notes
- 220 m
s = ut + ½at² 2 × 10 + 0.5 × (4) × 10² = 220
- 275 m
s = ut + ½at² 3 × 11 + 0.5 × (4) × 11² = 275
Further reading and review references
These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.
Learning preview · independent educational and translation review required. Suggested grades are not official curriculum alignment.