What is the magnitude of the average acceleration?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the average acceleration of the rock, the correct approach involves using kinematic equations rather than simply dividing the initial speed by the distance. The average acceleration can be determined by the formula: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time. Since the rock starts at 5 m/s and comes to a stop, the final velocity is 0 m/s. The units for acceleration are meters per second squared (m/s²), and the average acceleration in this scenario is negative, indicating a deceleration.
williamx11373
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a rock is rolled in the sand and it starts at 5 meters/second, it moves in a straight line for a distance of 3 meters and then stops...what is the magnitude of the average acceleration.??

my attempt at this was to simply divide 5 by 3 giving me 1.6 m/s

is this correct ?
 
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What are the units if you divide 5 m/s by 3 m?

To get you started, search your kinematics equations. Do you see one relating distance travelled, acceleration, and speed?
 

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