Record of Travel Problem Guidance

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving a travel problem involving three distinct phases: constant acceleration, constant velocity, and negative acceleration. The acceleration is 2.77 m/s² for 15.0 seconds, followed by a constant velocity phase lasting 2.05 minutes, and concluding with a negative acceleration of -9.47 m/s² for 4.39 seconds. Participants emphasize the importance of using kinematic equations, specifically x_f = x_i + v_i t + 0.5 a t² and v_f = v_i + a t, to calculate total displacement and average speeds for each segment of the trip.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion
  • Knowledge of constant velocity motion principles
  • Ability to perform basic unit conversions (e.g., minutes to seconds)
  • Familiarity with calculating average speed
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of kinematic equations in physics problems
  • Learn how to calculate displacement and average speed for multiple motion segments
  • Explore examples of problems involving constant acceleration and deceleration
  • Practice unit conversion techniques for time and distance
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering motion analysis involving acceleration and velocity calculations.

gasapple
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Greetings,

I was wondering if someone could provide guidance on the following problem? I'd like to arrive at the correct answer(s) and know how I obtained it!

A record of travel along a straight path is as follows:
1. From rest, with a constant accel. of 2.77 m/s^2 for 15.0 s
2. Maintain a const. vel for next 2.05 min
3. Apply neg accel. of -9.47 m/s^2 for 4.39 s

What was total displacement?
What were the average speeds for legs 1, 2, 3 of trip as well as the complete trip?

Any help/guidance would be appreciated - mainly the approach and why it is so. I have a feeling it's the multiple steps that are discouraging...

Thanks in advance!
 
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Treat each segment separately. Keep track of the distance traveled in each segment, and the speeds at the beginning and end of each segment.

You'll need to be able to find the distance traveled and speed for uniformly accelerated and constant velocity motion. You may find these kinematic equations helpful (but it's up to you to figure out how to use them):
[tex]x_f = x_i + v_i t + 0.5 a t^2[/tex]
[tex]v_f = v_i + a t[/tex]
 
Thanks for the direction. I'll see what I can come up with!
Cheers
 

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