Math Problem Statement

The position of a car is determined at different times as the car moves horizontally to the right and recorded in the data table shown. Which of the following statements best describes the motion of the car based on this data?

Solution

To analyze the motion of the car based on the given data, we can calculate the change in position (displacement) over each time interval and see if it remains constant, which would indicate uniform motion, or if it changes, which would suggest accelerated or decelerated motion.

Time vs. Position Data:

  • At t=1t = 1 s, Position = 1010 m
  • At t=3t = 3 s, Position = 2828 m
  • At t=5t = 5 s, Position = 4444 m
  • At t=7t = 7 s, Position = 5858 m
  • At t=9t = 9 s, Position = 7070 m

Finding the Displacement over Each Interval:

  1. From t=1t = 1 s to t=3t = 3 s: Δx=2810=18 m\Delta x = 28 - 10 = 18 \text{ m} Δt=31=2 s\Delta t = 3 - 1 = 2 \text{ s} Average velocity = ΔxΔt=182=9\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} = \frac{18}{2} = 9 m/s

  2. From t=3t = 3 s to t=5t = 5 s: Δx=4428=16 m\Delta x = 44 - 28 = 16 \text{ m} Δt=53=2 s\Delta t = 5 - 3 = 2 \text{ s} Average velocity = ΔxΔt=162=8\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} = \frac{16}{2} = 8 m/s

  3. From t=5t = 5 s to t=7t = 7 s: Δx=5844=14 m\Delta x = 58 - 44 = 14 \text{ m} Δt=75=2 s\Delta t = 7 - 5 = 2 \text{ s} Average velocity = ΔxΔt=142=7\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} = \frac{14}{2} = 7 m/s

  4. From t=7t = 7 s to t=9t = 9 s: Δx=7058=12 m\Delta x = 70 - 58 = 12 \text{ m} Δt=97=2 s\Delta t = 9 - 7 = 2 \text{ s} Average velocity = ΔxΔt=122=6\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} = \frac{12}{2} = 6 m/s

Conclusion:

The average velocity is decreasing over time (9 m/s, 8 m/s, 7 m/s, 6 m/s). This indicates that the car is slowing down or decelerating.

Best Description: The motion of the car is best described as a decelerating motion.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you determine if an object's acceleration is constant or changing?
  2. What is the difference between average velocity and instantaneous velocity?
  3. How can you calculate the total displacement over the entire time period?
  4. What would be the graphical representation of this data on a position vs. time graph?
  5. How does acceleration affect the shape of a position-time graph?

Tip:

When analyzing motion data, always look at the changes in position over equal time intervals to determine if an object is moving with constant velocity or accelerating/decelerating.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Kinematics
Velocity
Acceleration

Formulas

Velocity = (Change in Position) / (Change in Time)
Acceleration = (Change in Velocity) / (Change in Time)

Theorems

Uniform motion
Decelerating motion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12