Finding the acceleration when initial velocity is not known.

In summary, a particle with constant acceleration along the x-axis travels from x = 10 m to x = 50 m in 2.0 s. The final velocity is 10 m/s. Using the kinematic equations, it can be determined that the acceleration is negative, and the initial velocity can be calculated using the average velocity.
  • #1
tcw46
4
0

Homework Statement



In 2.0 s, a particle moving with constant acceleration along the x-axis goes from x = 10 m to x = 50 m. The velocity at the end of this time interval is 10 m/s. What is the acceleration of the particle?


Homework Equations


kinematic equations


The Attempt at a Solution


i'm quite sure its an deceleration because if i calculate the average speed over the period of time i get 40/2 = 20ms-1, which is faster than the final velocity. I haven't find the way to calculate acceleration without initial velocity since every kinematic formula i know have Vi.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
tcw46 said:
i'm quite sure its an deceleration because if i calculate the average speed over the period of time i get 40/2 = 20ms-1, which is faster than the final velocity.
Good. That means the acceleration is negative.
I haven't find the way to calculate acceleration without initial velocity since every kinematic formula i know have Vi.
Since you calculated the average velocity, use it to figure out the initial velocity.
 
  • #3
!@&(^#

Thank you..silly me. (i actually went all the way to solve it graphwise...)
 

FAQ: Finding the acceleration when initial velocity is not known.

What is acceleration?

Acceleration is defined as the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time. It is a vector quantity that includes both magnitude and direction, and is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s^2).

How is acceleration calculated when initial velocity is not known?

Acceleration can be calculated using the formula: a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time. If the initial velocity is not known, it can be assumed to be zero, and the formula becomes a = vf / t.

Can acceleration be negative?

Yes, acceleration can be negative. This occurs when an object is slowing down in the direction of its motion, or when its motion is changing in the opposite direction of its initial velocity. A negative acceleration is also known as deceleration or retardation.

How is acceleration related to force?

According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration (F = ma). This means that a greater force is required to accelerate an object with a larger mass, and that a greater acceleration can be achieved with a larger force.

What is the difference between average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration?

Average acceleration is calculated over a specific time interval, while instantaneous acceleration is the acceleration at a specific moment in time. Average acceleration can be determined using the change in velocity over the change in time, while instantaneous acceleration requires calculus to calculate the slope of the velocity vs. time graph at a particular point.

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