Physics
Distance under constant acceleration
The average of the two velocities multiplied by the time. The average is the midpoint because the acceleration is constant.
The Formula
s = ((u + v) / 2) x t
The average of the two velocities multiplied by the time. The average is the midpoint because the acceleration is constant.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| s | Distance travelled | m | The total displacement over the interval. |
| u | Starting velocity | m/s | Velocity at the start of the interval. |
| v | Final velocity | m/s | Velocity at the end of the interval. |
| t | Time taken | s | The length of the interval in seconds. |
What Each Symbol Means
sm
Distance travelled
The total displacement over the interval.
um/s
Starting velocity
Velocity at the start of the interval.
vm/s
Final velocity
Velocity at the end of the interval.
ts
Time taken
The length of the interval in seconds.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate acceleration page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Acceleration, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.