A car initially traveling at 4 m/s accelerated uniformly to a speed of 15 m/s over a distance of 2 meters. What is the magnitude of the car's average acceleration?

Answer 1

Haddassah J,

Here is how it works.

v_i = 4m/s

v_f = 15m/s

d = 2m

a = ? m/s²

Using the equation 2ad = v_f²-v_i²

a = (15²-4²)/4

= 209/4

= 52.25ms^-2 (however only 1 sig fig is appropriate, so 50ms^-2)

If you need further clarification on this or other questions, please let me know. Mr. A

Answer 2

Use the distance and the average velocity to get the time.

The average velocity is simply (4+15)/2

The average acceleration is the change in speed divided by the time

Answer 3

It's quite straightforward if you use v^2 = v0^2 + 2*a*d