Finding distance based off acceleration

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the distance a car travels when slowing down uniformly with a known acceleration and time. The formula x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2 is suggested and the correct answer of 58.5 m is determined with the help of another user.
  • #1
JDR 007
13
0
[SOLVED] finding distance based off acceleration

Homework Statement



A car slows down uniformly from a speed of 26.0 m/s to rest in 4.50 s. How far did it travel in that time?

Homework Equations


Acceleration (you all know it)


The Attempt at a Solution


I am totally stuck all I can do is find acceleration ...-5.78m/s^2
 
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  • #2
What kinematics formulas do you know for uniform acceleration? displacement formulas...
 
  • #4
[tex]x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2[/tex] Should I try using this?
 
  • #5
JDR 007 said:
[tex]x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2[/tex] Should I try using this?

you can do that since you've calculated acceleration.

you can also use [tex]d = \frac{(v1 + v2)}{2}*t[/tex]

which also gives you the answer.
 
  • #6
45.495m is that right?
 
  • #7
JDR 007 said:
45.495m is that right?

No. how did you get that?
 
  • #8
I accidentally pluged accel. in for velocity
 
  • #9
so.. 26*4.5-1/2(-5.78) what am I missing
 
  • #10
58.5?...v1 26m/s v2 0m/s t=4.5
 
  • #11
You should add on the acceleraton term and multiply it by the time squared.
 
  • #12
JDR 007 said:
58.5?...v1 26m/s v2 0m/s t=4.5

That is correct.
 
  • #13
I totally was making that harder than it was, I would like to thank you for your help
 

1. How is distance calculated based on acceleration?

The distance is calculated using the formula d = 1/2 * a * t^2, where a is the acceleration and t is the time. This formula assumes a constant acceleration.

2. What units are used to measure distance and acceleration?

Distance is typically measured in meters (m) or kilometers (km), while acceleration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s^2).

3. Can distance be calculated if acceleration is changing?

Yes, distance can still be calculated if acceleration is changing. In this case, you would need to use calculus to find the distance traveled by taking the integral of the acceleration function over a specific time interval.

4. How accurate is the distance calculated using acceleration?

The accuracy of the calculated distance depends on the accuracy of the initial acceleration measurement and any other factors that may affect the motion, such as air resistance or friction. Generally, the more precise the initial measurement and the longer the time interval, the more accurate the calculated distance will be.

5. Is there a difference between distance and displacement in this context?

Yes, distance and displacement are two different concepts. Distance refers to the total length traveled, while displacement refers to the shortest straight-line distance between the initial and final positions. In some cases, distance and displacement may have the same value, but in others, they may differ.

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