A bobsled team accelerates from rest at 6.4 m/s^2 for 8.6 seconds. After reaching this top speed, they glide down the track at a constant velocity for another 5.8 seconds.

Question

A bobsled team accelerates from rest at 6.4 m/s^2 for 8.6 seconds. After reaching this top speed, they glide down the track at a constant velocity for another 5.8 seconds. What is the overall length of the track?

Answer 1

Hello Karolina;

Let's first find the distance taken when accelerating to the top speed;

X₁ = 1/2at^2 = 0.5 x 6.4 x 8.6² = 236.7m

Here the top speed reached is V_(top) = V_o + at = 0 + 6.4 x 8.6 = 55 m/s

X₂ = V_top x 5.8 = 319.2m

Total Length of the track = 236.7 + 319.2 = 555.9m