# Easy Motion Question?

1. Jul 26, 2009

### Stroodle

A driver travelling at $$30\ ms^{-1}$$ slammed on the brakes when a truck pulled out ahead. The skid marks leading to the wreckage are $$40\ m$$ long. Tests on a similar model car show the brakes provide a steady deceleration of $$6\ ms^{-2}$$. How fast was the car travelling when it hit the truck?

I'm not sure how to go about solving this problem, so any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

2. Jul 26, 2009

### RoyalCat

What kinematic formula do you know tying in initial velocity (Given in the question), final velocity (This is your unknown), distance traveled (Given in the question) and the constant acceleration under which it was traveled (Also a given)?

Once you remember what this equation is, the problem will become as simple as plugging in the numbers.
Look over your class notes, it should be in there somewhere, and to give you another hint, it involves the squares of the velocities.

3. Jul 26, 2009

### Stroodle

Ah. Ok thanks for that.

So using the formula $$v^2=u^2+2ax$$

I have $$v^2=30^2+2(-6)(40)$$
$$\therefore v\approx 20\ ms^{-1}$$

Is that correct?

Thanks

4. Jul 26, 2009

### RoyalCat

Yes, that is correct. :)
$$V_f=\sqrt{420}\approx 20.493\approx 20.5 \tfrac{m}{s}$$

Just make sure that if it's on a test, or on an assignment to be graded, that you include the exact answer along with the approximation.

You're very welcome. :)

Last edited: Jul 26, 2009
5. Jul 26, 2009

### Stroodle

Will do. Thanks so much for your help.