Acceleration Vectors: Calculating Average Acceleration in a Direction Change

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the average acceleration of a soccer player changing direction, the player maintains a speed of 4.0 m/s while turning at a 30-degree angle over 3.0 seconds. The average acceleration can be determined by breaking down the velocities into components and applying the formula a = Δv / t. The player’s initial and final velocities must be represented as vectors to accurately compute the change in velocity. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding vector components when dealing with directional changes in motion. This approach is essential for solving problems involving acceleration during turns.
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Homework Statement



A Soccer player is running down the field with a ball at a speed of 4.0 m/s. He cuts to the right at an angle of 30.0o to his original direction to receive a pass. If it takes him 3.0s to change is direction, what is his average acceleration during the turn?

Homework Equations



a = v / t

a2+b2=c2

Sin, Cos, Tan ex. Cos 45o = delta d1 / delta d2


The Attempt at a Solution



I have drawn the triangle In attachment.
The dotted lines are me making the triangle.

Then I broke the top triangle into a right angle triangle (in second attachment)

and now I am stuck.. I have never worked with angles in this type of problem and I need help.

Thanks,
Jason
 

Attachments

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  • first triangle.jpg
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Break both his old and new velocity into components.
 
so when he turns to the right he will still be moving at 4.0 m/s?
 
Yes, it looks like we are supposed to assume the speed is still 4.0 m/s after the turn.
 

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