Given that acceleration is constant, four of the five suvat formulae can be used with vector
How do I use the 2D/vector suvat formulae?
The skills involved are the same for suvat in 1D
Acceleration must be constant
If acceleration varies with time then you need to use calculus
All the suvat equations connect four of the five quantities
Knowing any three allows a fourth to be found
Any vector quantity used within the suvat equations (s, u, v and a) are split into i and j- components, time is a scalar and is used as normal
You can use one vector equation and solve that or split into two equations (one for each component) and solve them separately
Are there any additional problems with suvat when working in 2D?
Sometimes they won’t give you the velocity instead it could say “…a particle is travelling parallel to…”
This means its velocity is a scalar multiple of that vector
If the object is travelling parallel to the vector i then the component of velocity in the j direction must be zero and vice versa
The question could ask for speeds and/or distances
You will need to find magnitudes of relevant vectors
Worked Example
(a) Find the acceleration of the drone, giving your answer in the form .
(b) Find the distance of the drone from its starting point after one minute.
Exam Tip
Don’t let the 2D aspect scare you! It works very similar to 1D suvat.
Always read the question carefully to see whether the answer should be a scalar or a vector.
Acceleration is the awkward one where we use the same word for the scalar and vector. If you are asked to find the acceleration it should be clear from the question whether it wants a scalar or a vector, if in doubt write both!