Motion at Constant Acceleration Question 3

In summary, the problem involves a car slowing down uniformly from a speed of 21.0 m/s to rest in 6.00 seconds. The question is asking for the distance the car traveled in that time. To solve this problem, one must first find the average speed at which the car traveled within those 6 seconds. Then, using the average speed, the distance traveled can be calculated. The average speed is found by dividing the initial speed of 21 m/s by the time it took to decelerate, which is 6 seconds. This gives an average speed of 3.5 m/s. Using this average speed, the distance traveled can be found to be 21 meters in 6 seconds.
  • #1
Adrianna
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0

Homework Statement


A car slows down uniformly from a speed of 21.0 m/s to rest in 6.00s. How far did it travel in that time?


Homework Equations



I am not really sure what one to use, which is the problem.

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
First, if it slows from 21 to 0 uniformly, what's the average speed at which the car travels within those 6 seconds? Then, what is the distance the car travels in 6 seconds at that average speed?
 
  • #3
the average speed is 3.5 m/s it travels 21 m in 6 seconds right?
 
  • #4
Is the average speed 3.5m/s?

Why would 21m/s divided by 6 give you the average speed?
 
  • #5
Im not really sure I'm really confused... I thought that 21 was the distance and 6 was the time but I know that is wrong so isn't 21 m/s the average speed?
 
  • #6
If the initial speed is 21 and the final speed is 0, and the deceleration is uniform, what do you think the average speed is? Just from intuition, the answer should be obvious, though the proof requires calculus.

For finding the average speed, disregard the fact that it took 6 seconds. How long it took to decelerate is unimportant. What is important is that the deceleration was constant.
 

FAQ: Motion at Constant Acceleration Question 3

What is Constant Acceleration?

Constant acceleration is a type of motion in which an object's velocity increases or decreases by the same amount in each unit of time. In other words, the object's speed changes at a constant rate.

What is the formula for calculating Constant Acceleration?

The formula for calculating constant acceleration is a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

How is Constant Acceleration different from Uniform Motion?

Uniform motion is when an object moves at a constant speed, while constant acceleration is when an object's speed changes at a constant rate. In uniform motion, the object's acceleration is zero, while in constant acceleration, the object's acceleration is non-zero.

What are some examples of objects in Constant Acceleration?

An object in free fall, a car accelerating from a stop, and a rollercoaster going down a hill are all examples of objects experiencing constant acceleration.

How does air resistance affect Constant Acceleration?

Objects experiencing constant acceleration may also experience air resistance, which can counteract the acceleration and cause the object's velocity to reach a terminal velocity. This is particularly noticeable in skydiving or bungee jumping, where the acceleration of the person is affected by air resistance.

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