Deriving the Five Kinematics Equations
v1
Slope
Combine and
eliminate one
variable
v-t Graph
Area
v2
t
Key to Problem Solving:
 Observe that each of the five equations has
four (4) variables.
 Match the question's givens and the desired
quantity to one of the equations.
 One of the equations will have the right
combination of variables.
Flowchart for Solving Motion at Constant Acceleration
Read and
interpret the
problem
List the givens (3) and
the unknown
(1)
Make the
units of the
unknowns
consistent
Choose
equations
Rearrange
equation if
needed
Substitute
givens into
equation
(include units)
Solve
Sample Problem:
The head of a woodpecker is moving forward
at a speed of 7.49 m/s when the beak makes
first contact with a tree limb. The beak stops
after penetrating the limb by 1.87 mm.
Assuming the acceleration to be constant, find
the acceleration.
How can a woodpecker survive the
severe impacts with a tree limb?