Math Problem Statement

A car accelerates from 12 m/s to 21 m/s in 6.2 s. What was its acceleration assuming it is constant? Express your answer using two significant figures.

Solution

To find the acceleration, we use the formula:

a=vfvita = \frac{{v_f - v_i}}{{t}}

where:

  • vfv_f is the final velocity (21 m/s),
  • viv_i is the initial velocity (12 m/s),
  • tt is the time (6.2 s),
  • aa is the acceleration.

Now, substituting the values:

a=21m/s12m/s6.2sa = \frac{{21 \, \text{m/s} - 12 \, \text{m/s}}}{{6.2 \, \text{s}}}

a=9m/s6.2s1.45m/s2a = \frac{{9 \, \text{m/s}}}{{6.2 \, \text{s}}} \approx 1.45 \, \text{m/s}^2

With two significant figures, the acceleration is:

a1.5m/s2a \approx 1.5 \, \text{m/s}^2

Final Answer:

The acceleration is 1.5m/s21.5 \, \text{m/s}^2.

Would you like further details or clarification on any part of this solution?


Here are five related questions you might find interesting:

  1. What is the distance traveled by the car during this acceleration?
  2. If the car continued accelerating at the same rate, what would its velocity be after 10 seconds?
  3. What is the average velocity of the car during this acceleration period?
  4. How long would it take for the car to go from rest to 21 m/s with the same acceleration?
  5. What is the force required to produce this acceleration if the car's mass is 1500 kg?

Tip: In constant acceleration problems, always ensure that units are consistent to avoid mistakes!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Kinematics
Linear Motion
Acceleration

Formulas

a = (v_f - v_i) / t

Theorems

Newton's First Law of Motion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11