Basic Physics question, find average acceleration and velocity?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving kinematics, specifically focusing on calculating average acceleration and final velocity based on given distance and time. The scenario describes a runner starting from rest and reaching a ball after a specified duration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of kinematic equations to find average acceleration and final velocity. One participant attempts to calculate velocity and questions the appropriate formula for acceleration. Others suggest organizing the known data and exploring relevant equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and expressing confusion about the formulas. Some guidance has been provided regarding organizing data and potential equations to consider, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is an emphasis on recalling kinematic equations and understanding initial conditions.

ADH
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Branden runs for a ball from a dead stop. It takes him 3 sec to reach it after traveling 10 meters.

What was his average acceleration?

What velocity did he achieve when he caught the ball?

Thank you!
 
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ADH said:
Branden runs for a ball from a dead stop. It takes him 3 sec to reach it after traveling 10 meters.

What was his average acceleration?

What velocity did he achieve when he caught the ball?

Thank you!

Please post your work.

(Hint: Recall your kinematic equations of motion)
 
My attempt was this. I found the velocity, I think.

For velocity I have 3.333 meters/second.

I was not sure how to find acceleration, or what formula to use.

My teacher gave us this formula: velocity = velocity(sub zero) + at . So should I make a permuatation out of this formula to give me: a = (velocity - velocity(sub zero)) / t ?

So then a = 3.333m/s - (initial velocity) / time

I'm pretty confused. Thanks for helping.
 
ADH said:
My attempt was this. I found the velocity, I think.

For velocity I have 3.333 meters/second.

I was not sure how to find acceleration, or what formula to use.

My teacher gave us this formula: velocity = velocity(sub zero) + at . So should I make a permuatation out of this formula to give me: a = (velocity - velocity(sub zero)) / t ?

So then a = 3.333m/s - (initial velocity) / time

I'm pretty confused. Thanks for helping.


You have these formulas

x=v0t+0.5at2

v=v0+at

v2=v02-2ax

Which equation has acceleration, time and distance in it?
 
Try organizing your data, see what you have and what is missing/required.

For example:

Vinitial=0 m/s t=3s d=10m a=? Vfinal=?

These formulas should help.

d= 1/2 (Vi+Vf)t

Vf= Vi + at

d=Vi(t) + 1/2 a(t^2)

G'luck!
 

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