SPH3U Big Five Motion Equations

Ms. Kueh

When we assume constant (uniform) acceleration, we can get 5 useful equations called the BIG FIVE equations (or
the Fab Five or the “Phab Phive”).

Each of the Big Five equations of uniform (constant) acceleration can be derived from just 2 things:

1. The basic equation for 2. A general v t graph with initial velocity ⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑣1 and final velocity𝑣
⃑⃑⃑⃑2 .
acceleration, where ⃑⃑⃑⃑ 𝑣1 is the (Remember, the straight line indicates constant acceleration, and the area under the
initial velocity, and ⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑣2 is the curve is the displacement.)
final velocity.
   𝑣2
⃑⃑⃑⃑
 v v2  v1
a 
t t 𝑣1
⃑⃑⃑⃑

In this exercise, you will work together to derive each of the BIG Five, using the clues given.
NOTE: You will NOT be required to derive these equations on a test or exam, but it is important to know where
they come from when you apply them to a problem.

Equation #1:
Rearrange the basic equation of acceleration to obtain equation #1: ⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑣2 = 𝑣
⃑⃑⃑⃑1 + 𝑎∆𝑡

Equation #2:
1
Use the velocity-time graph to find the displacement, expressed as equation #2: ∆𝑑 = (𝑣
⃑⃑⃑⃑1 + ⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑣2 )∆𝑡2
Hint: find the area under the curve in the velocity-time graph as the sum of the area of a rectangle and the area of
a triangle and then rearrange to get the equation.
Equation #3:
Use the velocity-time graph and the equation for acceleration to find the displacement, expressed as equation #3:
1
⃑⃑⃑⃑1 ∆𝑡 + 2 𝑎∆𝑡 2
∆𝑑 = 𝑣
Hint: Start by finding the area under the curve in the velocity-time graph as the sum of the area of a rectangle and
  
triangle, as in equation #2, but this time, use the fact that v2  v1  at , and substitute it into your equation.

Equation #4:
Use the velocity-time graph and the equation for acceleration to find the displacement, expressed as equation #4:
1
𝑣2 ∆𝑡 − 2 𝑎∆𝑡 2
∆𝑑 = ⃑⃑⃑⃑
Hint: Start by finding the area under the curve in the velocity-time graph as the area of a large rectangle and
  
subtract the area of a triangle. Use v2  v1  at , and substitute it into your equation.

Extra Challenge: Equation #5:

See if you can derive equation #5: 𝑣22 = 𝑣12 + 2𝑎𝛥𝑑 , where ⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑣2 is the final velocity and 𝑣
⃑⃑⃑⃑1 is the initial velocity.
Hint: Use the first two equations with substitution/elimination.