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CAIE A-Level Mathematics 4.2.4 Constant-Acceleration Motion

Practise selecting and combining suvat formulae for constant acceleration in horizontal or vertical straight-line motion, including linked particles and successive journey stages.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Mathematics 9709
Level
AS

Exam points

  • list known values of s, u, v, a and t before choosing an equation with one unknown
  • use a separate suvat equation for each particle or stage and link shared distances or times
  • apply a consistent positive direction and reject algebraic roots that are physically impossible

4.2.4—Straight lines question 1

[Maximum number: 2]
Figure for Question 4.2.4—Straight lines question 1 — CAIE A-Level Mathematics AS

The displacement of a particle moving in a straight line is s metres at time t seconds after leaving a fixed point O. The particle starts from rest and passes through points P, Q and R, at times t=5, t=10 and t=15 respectively, and returns to O at time t=20. The distances O P, O Q and O R are 50 m , 150 m and 200 m respectively.

The diagram shows a displacement-time graph which models the motion of the particle from t=0 to t=20. The graph consists of two curved segments A B and C D and two straight line segments B C and D E.

Find the acceleration of the particle between t=0 and t=5, given that it is constant.

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