Kinematics: Physics

Question

A sperm whale can accelerate at about 0.140 m/s^2 when swimming on the surface of the ocean. How far will it travel if it starts at a speed of 1.20 m/s and accelerates to a speed of 2.5 m/s? Assume the whale travels in a straight line.

Answer 1

Use the kinematic relation

v² - v₀² = 2ad ⇒

d = (v² - v₀²) / (2a)

Plug in

v = 2.5 m/s

v₀ = 1.20 m/s

a = 0.140 m/s²

and get d in meters.

Answer 2

Hi Jesus S,

A sperm whale can accelerate at about 0.140 m/s^2 when swimming on the surface of the ocean. How far will it travel if it starts at a speed of 1.20 m/s and accelerates to a speed of 2.5 m/s? Assume the whale travels in a straight line.

x = ? (m)

vi = 1.2m/s

vf = 2.5m/s

a = 0.140 m/s²

2•a•x = v_f² -v_i²

Rearranging

x = (v_f² - v_i²)/2 •a

substituting values from the given data

x = (2.5²-1.2²)/(2•0.140) = 17.2m

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Mr. A