A supersonic jet flying at 145 m/s is accelerated uniformly at the rate of 23.1 m/s² for 20.0 s. What distance did the jet travel during this time?

Answer 1

You are given

v_i (initial velocity)= 145 m/s

a(acceleration) = 23.1 m/s²

t(time) = 20.0 s

Unknown: d(distance traveled)

Since acceleration is constant, use a kinematic equation. You need to be able to choose the correct one. Since you are not given the final velocity, you must choose an equation with distance but without final velocity(v_f) because you can't use an equation with 2 unknowns in it. The only equation with distance without the final velocity is the 1st equation.

Use the first equation, d = (145 m/s) (20.0 s) + (231 m/s²)(20 m/s)² / 2 = 49,100 m

Answer 2

Ayre, this requires a simple application of the appropriate equation of motion.

We know initial speed, v₀, acceleration, a, and time, t. We want v, the final speed.

So, the equation we need is: v = v₀ + at

Plug in the given values and calculate the answer!