A car accelerates from 10 m s$^{-1}$ to 30 m s$^{-1}$ in 5 seconds - Leaving Cert Physics - Question b - 2005
Question b
A car accelerates from 10 m s$^{-1}$ to 30 m s$^{-1}$ in 5 seconds.
What is its acceleration? (v = u + at)
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A car accelerates from 10 m s$^{-1}$ to 30 m s$^{-1}$ in 5 seconds - Leaving Cert Physics - Question b - 2005
Identify Initial and Final Velocities
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The initial velocity (u) is 10 m s−1 and the final velocity (v) is 30 m s−1.
Define the Formula
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The formula relating initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, and time is given by:
v = u + at
Substitute Known Values
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Rearranging the formula to solve for acceleration (a):
a = \frac{v - u}{t}
Substituting in the values:
a = \frac{30 , ext{m s}^{-1} - 10 , ext{m s}^{-1}}{5 , ext{s}}
Calculate the Acceleration
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Performing the calculation:
a = \frac{20 , ext{m s}^{-1}}{5 , ext{s}} = 4 , ext{m s}^{-2}
Thus, the acceleration of the car is 4 m s−2.
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