If an object moves at a non-zero constant acceleration for a certain i

If an object moves at a non-zero constant acceleration for a certain interval of time, then the distance it covers in that time

depends on its initial velocity.
is independent of its initial velocity.
increases linearly with time.
depends on its initial displacement.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2019
The distance covered by an object moving with constant acceleration is given by the kinematic equation: $s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2$, where $s$ is the distance (or displacement magnitude if direction is constant), $u$ is the initial velocity, $a$ is the constant acceleration, and $t$ is the time interval. This equation clearly shows that the distance covered ($s$) depends on the initial velocity ($u$), assuming $a \neq 0$ and $t > 0$.
– For motion with constant acceleration, the relationship between distance, initial velocity, acceleration, and time is described by standard kinematic equations.
– The equation $s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2$ explicitly includes the initial velocity $u$.
– Option B is incorrect because the term $ut$ makes the distance dependent on initial velocity.
– Option C is incorrect because the presence of the $\frac{1}{2}at^2$ term (with $a \neq 0$) means the distance increases quadratically with time, not linearly.
– Option D is incorrect; the distance covered (change in position) is independent of the starting position (initial displacement). Initial displacement affects the final position, but not the distance traveled during the interval.