Car passing two markers, kinematics question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a kinematics problem involving a car passing two markers. Participants confirm the validity of using initial velocity (V1) and time to calculate final velocity (V2) through two equations of motion. The average velocity method is also discussed, yielding a speed of 14.605 m/s and an average speed of 22.48 m/s between the markers. The calculations utilize the principles of constant acceleration and time intervals to derive accurate results.

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  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically V = d/t and d = 1/2 at².
  • Familiarity with concepts of average velocity and acceleration.
  • Basic knowledge of solving equations involving multiple variables.
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate units of measurement in physics.
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orangegalaxies
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Homework Statement
A car accelerates at 1.80m/s2 along a straight road. It passes two marks that are 28.1m apart at times t=3.75s and t=5.00s. What was the car's velocity at t=0?
Relevant Equations
d = V1t + 0.5at^2
V2 = V1 + at
i calculated the time difference between each marker, and using the first equation, i solved for V1.
i then used this V1 as V2, time as the first marker (3.75) and used the second equation to solve for V1.

is this method correct? can somebody please verify?
 
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looks right.
 
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Yes, your method seems correct to me too.
 
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Delta2 said:
Yes, your method seems correct to me too.
that's a relief! would you please mind sharing your answer with me so i can verify mine?
 
orangegalaxies said:
that's a relief! would you please mind sharing your answer with me so i can verify mine?
Using the average velocity is another way to solve this problem.
 
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PeroK said:
Or, you could use ##d = \frac 1 2 at^2## and get an equation for ##a## in terms of the difference in positions and difference in times that you are given.
14.605 m/s?
 
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orangegalaxies said:
14.605 m/s?
Bingo!
 
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orangegalaxies said:
14.605 m/s?
The other approach is that average speed between the markers is ##22.48 m/s## (which is ##28.1m## in ##1.25s##), which (for constant acceleration) must equate to the speed at the middle time ##4.375s##.

Then, you can get ##v_0## from this and the acceleration.
 
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