How can I calculate the correct velocity for the car?

[Gughanath]

The initial speed of a car is 25ms^-1 and it accelerates for 4 secs to reach a speed of Vms^-1. It then maintains this velocity traveling at constant speed for a further 8 seconds. The total overla distance travlled is 600m.

I am really stuck.
I used v = u+at to get one question.

v = 25 + 4a...1
now?

 

[Dr.Brain]

Ok there are basically two ways to this problem . One is that you have to apply kinematic equations for three different cases.

Secondly, a better one is that you draw a v-t graph which will start from 25 m/s and with +ve slope , then it goes forward at the same velocity and 0 slope for 8 secs.Now area under this graph is the distance traveled , that is 600 m.

I think you haven't mentioned what is to be found in this problem, but the graph method will give you any value you want.

 

[Gughanath]

oh yeah. I have to find the value V. Using the graph method, V comes out to be 75. Right?

 

[Dr.Brain]

If you have correctly drawn the graph , using simple science you will get the correct answer.Check your answers .

 

[Gughanath]

I used the trapezium rule for area under the graph (a+b/2 * height) to find V.
v= 75ms^-1

 

[Dr.Brain]

Yes answer is right then.Good Job.

 

[OlderDan]

I used the trapezium rule for area under the graph (a+b/2 * height) to find V.
v= 75ms^-1

That is not the correct answer. At 75m/sec, in 8 sec the car would move 600m. The problem says the car moves a total of 600m during the entire time of 4 seconds while accelerating plus 8 additional seconds at constant speed.