Math Problem Statement

What is the distance travelled by a car at a constant acceleration of 2km/hr² when its initial velocity is 30km/hr during the time frame of Time initial = 20 seconds and Time final = 60 seconds

Solution

To find the distance traveled by a car under constant acceleration, we can use the following kinematic equation:

s=vit+12at2s = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2

Where:

  • ss is the distance traveled.
  • viv_i is the initial velocity.
  • aa is the acceleration.
  • tt is the time.

However, because the time interval is given (from ti=20t_i = 20 seconds to tf=60t_f = 60 seconds), we should calculate the distance traveled at both tft_f and tit_i and then subtract to find the distance during this interval.

Step 1: Convert time into hours

Since velocity and acceleration are given in km/h and km/h², we need to convert the time from seconds to hours: ti=203600 hours0.00556 hourst_i = \frac{20}{3600} \text{ hours} \approx 0.00556 \text{ hours} tf=603600 hours0.01667 hourst_f = \frac{60}{3600} \text{ hours} \approx 0.01667 \text{ hours}

Step 2: Calculate the distance at tft_f

Using the formula: sf=vitf+12atf2s_f = v_i t_f + \frac{1}{2} a t_f^2 sf=30×0.01667+12×2×(0.01667)2s_f = 30 \times 0.01667 + \frac{1}{2} \times 2 \times (0.01667)^2 sf0.5001+0.00028=0.50038 kms_f \approx 0.5001 + 0.00028 = 0.50038 \text{ km}

Step 3: Calculate the distance at tit_i

Similarly: si=viti+12ati2s_i = v_i t_i + \frac{1}{2} a t_i^2 si=30×0.00556+12×2×(0.00556)2s_i = 30 \times 0.00556 + \frac{1}{2} \times 2 \times (0.00556)^2 si0.1668+0.00003=0.16683 kms_i \approx 0.1668 + 0.00003 = 0.16683 \text{ km}

Step 4: Find the distance traveled between tit_i and tft_f

Δs=sfsi=0.500380.16683=0.33355 km\Delta s = s_f - s_i = 0.50038 - 0.16683 = 0.33355 \text{ km}

So, the car travels approximately 0.33355 km during the time interval from 20 seconds to 60 seconds.

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How would the distance change if the initial velocity were doubled?
  2. What would be the distance if the acceleration were negative?
  3. How does the time interval affect the distance traveled?
  4. What if the car started from rest; how would the distance calculation differ?
  5. How would you calculate the final velocity at 60 seconds?

Tip: When solving kinematic problems, ensure that units are consistent across all variables before performing calculations.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Kinematics
Constant Acceleration

Formulas

s = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

High School