Math Problem Statement

An Indy-500 race car's velocity increases from 4.00 m/s to 36.0 m/s over an interval lasting 4.00 seconds.   What is the car's average acceleration? 

Solution

The average acceleration of the car can be calculated using the formula for acceleration:

aavg=ΔvΔta_{\text{avg}} = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}

Where:

  • Δv\Delta v is the change in velocity.
  • Δt\Delta t is the change in time.

Given:

  • Initial velocity (viv_i) = 4.00 m/s
  • Final velocity (vfv_f) = 36.0 m/s
  • Time interval (Δt\Delta t) = 4.00 seconds

Step-by-Step Calculation:

  1. Calculate the change in velocity: Δv=vfvi=36.0m/s4.00m/s=32.0m/s\Delta v = v_f - v_i = 36.0 \, \text{m/s} - 4.00 \, \text{m/s} = 32.0 \, \text{m/s}

  2. Substitute the values into the formula: aavg=ΔvΔt=32.0m/s4.00sa_{\text{avg}} = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t} = \frac{32.0 \, \text{m/s}}{4.00 \, \text{s}}

  3. Perform the division: aavg=8.00m/s2a_{\text{avg}} = 8.00 \, \text{m/s}^2

Final Answer:

The car's average acceleration is: 8.00m/s2\boxed{8.00 \, \text{m/s}^2}

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What is the formula for instantaneous acceleration, and how does it differ from average acceleration?
  2. How would the result change if the time interval were shorter or longer?
  3. What is the distance traveled by the car during this acceleration period?
  4. Can you calculate the acceleration in units other than m/s2\text{m/s}^2, such as km/h2\text{km/h}^2?
  5. What are the potential causes for a non-constant acceleration in real-life scenarios?

Tip: Always verify units when solving physics problems to ensure consistency and accuracy!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Kinematics
Linear Motion

Formulas

Average acceleration formula: a_avg = Δv / Δt

Theorems

Basic principles of kinematics and constant acceleration

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12