2.3.17 Find the average acceleration for this interval.

J. BernstienIn summary, at $t=5\,s$ an object has a velocity of $5\,m/s$ and at $t=8\,s$ its velocity is $-1\,m/s$. The average acceleration for this interval is $-2\,m/s^2$, calculated using the formula $a_{av}=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$. This is in accordance with the book answer of $-2\,m/s^2$. It is not possible to accurately graph the acceleration without more information.
  • #1
karush
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2.3.17 At $t=5\, s$ an object is traveling at $5 \, m/s$.
At $t=8\, s$ its velocity is $-1\, m/s$
(a) Find the average acceleration for this interval.
$$a_{av}=\frac{v_2-v_1}{t_2-t_1}=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$$
So
$$a_{av}=\frac{-1-5}{8-5}=\frac{-6}{3}=-2 \, m/s$$
book answer $-2\, m/s^2$ok I think this is ok
but again was wondering if a tikx graph can be made or is acceleration a curve?
 
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  • #2
karush said:
2.3.17 At $t=5\, s$ an object is traveling at $5 \, m/s$.
At $t=8\, s$ its velocity is $-1\, m/s$
(a) Find the average acceleration for this interval.
$$a_{av}=\frac{v_2-v_1}{t_2-t_1}=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$$
So
$$a_{av}=\frac{-1-5}{8-5}=\frac{-6}{3}=-2 \, m/s$$
book answer $-2\, m/s^2$ok I think this is ok
but again was wondering if a tikx graph can be made or is acceleration a curve?
You don't have enough information to draw the actual curve. Just enough to get the average.

-Dan
 

1. What is the formula for average acceleration?

The formula for average acceleration is (final velocity - initial velocity) / time.

2. How do you calculate average acceleration from a velocity-time graph?

To calculate average acceleration from a velocity-time graph, you can find the slope of the line connecting the initial and final velocities.

3. Can average acceleration be negative?

Yes, average acceleration can be negative if the final velocity is less than the initial velocity.

4. What is the unit of measurement for average acceleration?

The unit of measurement for average acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²).

5. How does average acceleration differ from instantaneous acceleration?

Average acceleration is calculated over a specific time interval, while instantaneous acceleration is calculated at a specific moment in time. Average acceleration gives an overall picture of an object's acceleration, while instantaneous acceleration shows the acceleration at a specific point in time.

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