Car Acceleration: Determining Speed & Distance

In summary, a car starts from rest and travels for 6.0 s with a uniform acceleration of +2.7 m/s2. Then the driver applies the brakes, causing a uniform acceleration of −1.0 m/s2 for 1.0 s. The car's speed at the end of the braking period is 15.2 m/s and the distance it has traveled is unknown. To find the distance, the problem can be broken down into two parts: the acceleration phase and the deceleration phase, with the distance and speed at the end of the first phase as the starting point for the second phase.
  • #1
nbroyle1
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A car starts from rest and travels for 6.0 s with a uniform acceleration of +2.7 m/s2. The driver then applies the brakes, causing a uniform acceleration of −1.0 m/s2. If the brakes are applied for 1.0 s, determine each of the following.

(a) How fast is the car going at the end of the braking period?

(b) How far has the car gone?

So, I already found out part a which is 15.2m/s by utilizing the equation v=v(initial)+at. I'm having some trouble finding the distance traveled with two different accelerations.
 
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  • #2
As you probably did with the speed, break the problem down into two part: the acceleration phase and the deceleration phase. Use the distance and speed at the end of the first phase as the starting point for the second phase (ie, treat it like a second problem: "a car at x m from the origin, traveling at v m/s brakes at 1 m/s^s for 1s; find its speed and position after it has finished braking").
 
  • #3
ok thanks!
 

FAQ: Car Acceleration: Determining Speed & Distance

What is car acceleration?

Car acceleration is the rate at which a car's velocity changes over time. It is measured in meters per second squared (m/s²) or miles per hour per second (mph/s).

How is car acceleration calculated?

Car acceleration can be calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. This can be represented by the formula a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

What factors affect car acceleration?

There are several factors that can affect car acceleration, including the car's weight, engine power, tire traction, and air resistance. The condition of the road and weather can also play a role in a car's acceleration.

How does car acceleration relate to speed and distance?

Car acceleration is directly related to a car's speed and distance. The higher the acceleration, the faster the car will reach a certain speed and cover a certain distance in a given amount of time. The distance traveled is also directly proportional to the square of the speed and the time.

How is car acceleration measured?

Car acceleration can be measured using various instruments such as a dynamometer or accelerometer. These devices measure the amount of force or acceleration exerted on the car and convert it into a numerical value. Additionally, acceleration can also be measured through simple calculations using a stopwatch and measuring the change in velocity over a known distance.

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