When acceleration varies with time, position, or velocity, SUVAT equations fail. Use calculus:
a = f(t): Integrate a with respect to t to get v(t), then integrate v(t) to get x(t).
- v = integral(a*dt) +
- x = integral(v*dt) +
a = f(v): Separate variables.
- dt = => t = integral
- OR: ds = v*dv/a => s = integral
a = f(x): Use vdv = adx.
- integral(vdv) = integral(adx)
- \frac{1}{2}$$v^2 = integral(a*dx) + constant
Maximum velocity: Occurs when a = 0 (acceleration changes from positive to negative).
JEE Strategy: Identify which variable a depends on, choose the right differential form, separate variables, and integrate with initial conditions.