Average Acceleration and Velocity Question

In summary, an object traveling at a constant velocity v0 experiences two equal and opposite accelerations for a period of time t. The final velocity will be the same as the initial velocity, but in the opposite direction. The magnitude of the final velocity is equal to the magnitude of the initial velocity, and the direction of the final velocity is opposite to the direction of the initial velocity. This can be calculated using the equation: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity)/time.
  • #1
CathyCat
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Homework Statement

An object traveling at a constant velocity v0 experiences a constant acceleration in the same direction for a period of time t. Then, an acceleration of equal magnitude is experienced in the opposite direction of v0 for the same period of time t. What is the object's final velocity? State the magnitude and direction.

Homework Equations



Acceleration=Vf-Vi/t

The Attempt at a Solution



i don't know what they are asking for, as in i don't understand the question
Thank you
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
can someone help me please. its a choice question as in the magnitude is a)more than initial magnitude, b)less than initial magnitude, and c)the same as the initial magnitude
and for the direction its a) same as initial magnitude or b) opposite of initial magnitude
 
  • #3
CathyCat said:

Homework Statement




An object traveling at a constant velocity v0 experiences a constant acceleration in the same direction for a period of time t. Then, an acceleration of equal magnitude is experienced in the opposite direction of v0 for the same period of time t. What is the object's final velocity? State the magnitude and direction.

Homework Equations



Acceleration=Vf-Vi/t


The Attempt at a Solution



i don't know what they are asking for, as in i don't understand the question
Thank you

To paraphrase the question:
You are traveling in a car on a straight road, heading East at 40 kph.
You press the accelerator so the car now accelerates at a rate of 5 kph/s East. You continue pressing the accelerator for 5 seconds [and will thus reach a new, higher speed.
You then carefully apply the brakes, so as to achieve an acceleration of 5 kph/s West [naturally the braking force/acceleration is in the direction opposed to the way you are travelling]. You maintain that braking rate for exactly 5 seconds.
What will your final velocity be? ie how fast will you be travelling, and are you going East or West?

If you are uncomfortable with kph [kilometres per hour] then change it to mph [miles per hour] but retain the figures - it just means a more significant speed at all times, but still not unreasonable.

Note:
While traveling East, an easterly acceleration means increasing speed [what usually happens when you press the accelerator].
While traveling East, a westerly acceleration means reducing speed or slowing down [what usually happens when you apply the brakes].
 

FAQ: Average Acceleration and Velocity Question

What is average acceleration?

Average acceleration is the rate at which the velocity of an object changes over a specific period of time. It is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time.

What is the difference between average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration?

Instantaneous acceleration refers to the acceleration at a specific moment in time, while average acceleration is the overall change in velocity over a given period of time.

How is average acceleration calculated?

Average acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. The formula for average acceleration is: a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is average acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

What is average velocity?

Average velocity is the total displacement (change in position) of an object divided by the total time it took to cover that displacement. It is a measure of both the speed and direction of an object.

How is average velocity different from average speed?

Average velocity takes into account the direction of an object's motion, while average speed only considers the magnitude of an object's motion. Average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time taken, while average velocity is calculated by dividing the total displacement by the total time taken.

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