Average Acceleration and Speed

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating average acceleration when a car increases its speed from 25.0 mph to 55.0 mph over a time period of 5.00 seconds. The correct formula for average acceleration is a = (final speed - initial speed) / time. The final speed is 55.0 mph, the initial speed is 25.0 mph, and the time is 5.00 seconds, resulting in an average acceleration of 6.00 mph/s. Clarification was provided that 55 mph represents the final speed, not the acceleration itself.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics
  • Familiarity with speed and acceleration units
  • Knowledge of the formula for average acceleration
  • Ability to perform unit conversions (e.g., mph to mph/s)
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  • Study the concept of kinematic equations in physics
  • Learn about unit conversions between different speed measurements
  • Explore real-world applications of average acceleration in automotive engineering
  • Investigate the differences between speed and acceleration in physics
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Students studying physics, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding motion dynamics and acceleration calculations.

OverlordXero
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Homework Statement



You are driving down a highway at a speed of 25.0 mph when your car accelerates at 55 mph in order to pass another car. What is the average acceleration of this car if this increase in speed occurs over a time period of 5.00 seconds?

t = 5 seconds
initial speed = 25.0 mph
acceleration = 55 mph

Homework Equations


a = delta v/ t

The Attempt at a Solution


55+(5/3600)-25 /5
=0.0176 mph

the answer is 6.00 mph/s but i still don't understand how to solve for it
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The problem is incorrectly stated. One accelerates to 55mph, not at 55mph. 55mph cannot be an acceleration as it is in the wrong units. From the context, it is clear that it is intended to be the final speed.
 

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