OCR A Gateway Physics Higher tier also examines the full set of constant-acceleration equations of motion, sometimes called "SUVAT" after the five quantities involved: s (displacement), u (initial velocity), v (final velocity), a (acceleration), t (time). AQA GCSE only requires v² = u² + 2as; OCR A additionally expects the other SUVAT equations to be used and rearranged.
- v = u + at — final velocity from initial velocity, acceleration and time
- s = ((u + v) / 2) × t — displacement from average velocity and time
- v² = u² + 2as — final velocity without needing time (the one all GCSE Physics boards share)
OCR A questions typically give three of the five SUVAT quantities and ask you to find a fourth — choose whichever equation contains all three known quantities and the one you need, then rearrange and substitute.
This higher tier covers OCR A (J249) Higher Only: Equations of Motion (SUVAT) within Newton's Laws of Motion for GCSE Physics. Revise Newton's Laws of Motion in Forces for GCSE Physics with 24 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 15 of 17 in this topic. This section is most useful once the core foundation idea is secure, because it adds the detail that pushes answers higher.
Practice questions for Newton's Laws of Motion
According to Newton's First Law, what happens to an object when there is no resultant force acting on it?
A spaceship is travelling through deep space far from any planets. The engines are switched off. Explain what will happen to the motion of the spaceship and why.