1.10 Final speed equation
The final speed equation connects initial speed, final speed, acceleration and distance for constant-acceleration motion without needing time values in calculations.
- Syllabus
- 2024
- Objective
- 1.10
- Level
- —
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing29%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper1PR
Typical marks3–4
Common command terms
- Calculate
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Using the final speed equation without squaring the speeds or taking the square root at the end.
Recent exam appearances
May 2025Paper1PR [] · TZ06(b)[ 3 ]1.10 Final speed equation
May 2024Paper1PR [null] · TZ09(c)(i)[ 4 ]1.10 Final speed equation
Jan 2023Paper1P [null] · TZ05(e)[ 4 ]1.10 Final speed equation
June 2022Paper1PR [null] · TZ012(a)[ 4 ]1.10 Final speed equation
June 2022Paper1P [null] · TZ010(a)[ 3 ]1.10 Final speed equation
Practice this objective
Coverage 2019–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
1.10 Final speed equation
Use (final speed)² = (initial speed)² + 2 × acceleration × distance moved, v² = u² + 2as.
Concept essentials
- The final speed equation is used for constant-acceleration motion when time is not required.
- Initial and final speeds must be placed in the correct parts of the equation.
- The squared-speed form often requires a square root for a final speed answer.
- Distance and acceleration units must be compatible before substitution.
- Braking and vertical motion may require careful handling of signs or magnitudes.