Distance using acceleration and time

In summary, the problem involves a car accelerating from 15 m/s to 28 m/s in 6.4 s and finding the distance traveled in that time. Several attempts have been made to solve it, including using the average speed and kinematic equations. The correct solution can be found by using the formula d=((vf+vi)/2)*t or d=ut + 1/2 at^2.
  • #1
mattykay
2
0

Homework Statement


A car accelerates from 15 m/s to 28 m/s in 6.4 s. How far did it travel in this time?

Homework Equations


Unsure- have tried several, and all results have been wrong
Part 1 was to determine acceleration, which is 2 m/(s^2)

The Attempt at a Solution


I've come up with 44, 41, 19, and 83 meters, all of which have been wrong.
 
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  • #2
mattykay said:
Part 1 was to determine acceleration, which is 2 m/(s^2)
Seems OK

The Attempt at a Solution


I've come up with 44, 41, 19, and 83 meters, all of which have been wrong.
Show what you've done.

There are several ways to solve this. One way is to use the average speed.
 
  • #3
Do you know your kinematic equations?

Alternatively, if you plot a v-t graph, do you know how to obtain the distance traveled from that graph?
 
  • #4
I got it; I was using one formula, when I should have been using d=((vf+vi)/2)*t
 
  • #5
Using d=ut + 1/2 at2 should have given the same answer.
 

1. How do you calculate distance using acceleration and time?

To calculate distance using acceleration and time, you can use the formula d = 1/2at^2, where d is the distance, a is the acceleration, and t is the time.

2. What is the unit for distance when using acceleration and time?

The unit for distance when using acceleration and time is meters (m).

3. Can you calculate distance using acceleration and time if the initial velocity is not given?

Yes, if the initial velocity is not given, you can use the formula d = at^2, where d is the distance, a is the acceleration, and t is the time.

4. How does acceleration affect the distance traveled?

The greater the acceleration, the greater the distance traveled in a given amount of time. This means that the object is moving faster and covers more distance in the same amount of time.

5. Can you use the formula for distance using acceleration and time for non-uniform acceleration?

No, the formula for distance using acceleration and time (d = 1/2at^2) is only valid for uniform acceleration, where the acceleration remains constant. For non-uniform acceleration, you would need to use a different formula, such as the trapezoidal rule or the average velocity formula.

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