how to know where to use equatiin of motion
Answers
The three equations of motions are:
1) v = v0 + aΔt
2) x = x0 + v0Δt + ½aΔt^2
3) v^2 = v0^2 + 2a(x − x0)
These are the equations you learn in the physics class at school to calculate the velocity or end position of an object given an acceleration and a time or a distance.
Let me tell you a little secret: there are no 3 equations of motion. The three things you see above follow directly from the definition of a constant acceleration in one direction. But you need a bit of calculus to see that. The 3 above are an easy way to calculate things without needing calculus.
To know which one you need requires a close examination of your physics problem. E.g.
Equation 1) you use when the physics teacher asks you to calculate a speed, given some actions during a period of time.
Equation 2) you use when the physics teacher asks you to calculate a position, given some actions during a period of time.
Equation 3) you use when the physics teachers asks you to calculate a speed, given some actions over some distance.