How Fast Was the Car Initially Moving?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving a car that accelerates at a constant rate over a specified distance and time. Participants are tasked with determining the car's initial velocity before it began to accelerate.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of kinematics equations to find the initial velocity, questioning the interpretation of the time given and discussing the formula that relates distance, initial velocity, acceleration, and time.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to apply kinematic equations, with some participants providing hints and others clarifying the time unit. There is an ongoing exploration of different interpretations and calculations, but no consensus has been reached on the correct initial velocity.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with specific values for acceleration and distance, while also clarifying the time duration involved in the problem. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct application of kinematic formulas and the interpretation of the given data.

runner1738
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A car, moving along a straight stretch of highway,begins to accelerate at .0483 m/s^2. it takes the car 35.9 to cover 1 km. how fast was the car going when it first began to accelerate? answer in m/s
 
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35.9 ?? seconds?? minutes??

what are your ideas so far...
 
Look at the list of kinematics formulae you have (if you have any) and decide which one will allow you to find the initial velocity while using the info you were given.
 
it was 35.9 s sorry
 
Hint hint:
[tex]d=V_it + \frac{1}{2}at^2[/tex]
 
1000=1.73397+644.405a, a=1.549128312, wasnt right anymore ideas?
 
{Distance} = {Initial Velocity}*{Time} + (1/2)*{Acceleration}*{(Time)^2}
(1000) = {Initial Velocity}*(35.9) + (1/2)*(0.0483)*{(35.9)^2}
(1000) = {Initial Velocity}*(35.9) + 31.125
{Initial Velocity} = (968.875)/(35.9)
{Initial Velocity} = (26.988 m/sec) = (60.37 mph)
 
Last edited:

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