Average acceleration of a car changing speed and direction

Thread starter danielsmith123123
Start date Jul 6, 2021
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Acceleration Average Average acceleration Car Direction Speed

In summary, average acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time, measured by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. It differs from instantaneous acceleration, which is the acceleration at a specific moment. Several factors can affect the average acceleration of a car, such as engine power, weight, and road conditions. Changing speed and direction also affects average acceleration, with the highest acceleration occurring when both are changing simultaneously. Average acceleration is important in understanding a car's performance, as it reflects its ability to reach speeds and handle changes in direction, as well as the efficiency and power of its engine.

Jul 6, 2021

danielsmith123123

Homework Statement: A car, travelling initially at 28 m/s [W25 ̊N], takes 8 s to change its velocity to 25 m/s [S]. What is the average acceleration over this time interval?

Relevant Equations: a = vf-vi / t

Nevermind I found what I had to do, thank you though.

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Jul 6, 2021

Delta2

Insights Author

Gold Member

You basically have to do one vector subtraction (subtract the 2 given vectors of velocity and keep the result as vector) and then 1 division by 8sec.

FAQ: Average acceleration of a car changing speed and direction

What is average acceleration?

Average acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over a period of time. It is a measure of how quickly the velocity of an object changes.

How is average acceleration calculated?

Average acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. The formula for average acceleration is: a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is the average acceleration, vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

What factors affect the average acceleration of a car?

The average acceleration of a car can be affected by several factors, including the engine power, weight of the car, road conditions, and air resistance. These factors can impact the car's ability to change its speed and direction.

How does average acceleration differ from instantaneous acceleration?

Average acceleration is calculated over a period of time, while instantaneous acceleration is the acceleration at a specific moment in time. Average acceleration gives an overall picture of how the velocity of an object changed, while instantaneous acceleration shows the acceleration at a specific point in time.

Why is average acceleration important in understanding a car's performance?

Average acceleration is important in understanding a car's performance because it can help determine how quickly the car can change its speed and direction. It is also a key factor in measuring the car's acceleration capabilities, which can impact its overall performance and handling.