Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 2.3

Newton's laws of motion and the law of gravitation — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire

Physics — Mechanics · constant-acceleration

Problem

Constant acceleration formulae A particle PP moves along the xx-axis with constant acceleration aa in the positive xx-direction. Initially PP is at the origin and is moving with velocity uu in the positive xx-direction. Show that the velocity vv and displacement xx of PP at time tt are given by v=u+at,x=ut+12at2,v = u + at, \qquad x = ut + \tfrac{1}{2}at^2, and deduce that v2=u2+2ax.v^2 = u^2 + 2ax. In a standing quarter mile test, the Suzuki Bandit 1200 motorcycle covered the quarter mile (from rest) in 11.4 seconds and crossed the finish line doing 116 miles per hour. Are these figures consistent with the assumption of constant acceleration?

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