Finding Acceleration Given Coordinates

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the acceleration of an object with uniform acceleration based on its velocity and coordinates at two different times. The final answer is -10.1 cm/s squared, but the process to reach this answer is unclear. It is suggested to use the displacement, time, and initial velocity to solve for "a" using one of the SUVAT equations of motion.
  • #1
MG5
60
0
No idea how to do this.

An object moving with uniform acceleration has a velocity of 11.0 cm/s in the positive x-direction when its x-coordinate is 2.91 cm. If its x-coordinate 2.75 s later is −5.00 cm, what is its acceleration?

The answer is -10.1 cm/s squared but I don't know how to get to the answer. Any help would be great. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
As you know velocity=Δdisplacement/Δtime.
What do you know about constant acceleration definition?
 
  • #3
Perhaps look at one of the SUVAT equation of motion.

You know the displacement s, the time t and the initial velocity v.

I'll let you decide which equation you need to solve for "a".
 

1. What is acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction.

2. How is acceleration calculated?

Acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in an object's velocity by the corresponding change in time. It can be expressed as the equation a = Δv/Δt, where a is the acceleration, Δv is the change in velocity, and Δt is the change in time.

3. What is the formula for finding acceleration given coordinates?

The formula for finding acceleration given coordinates is a = (vf - vi)/(tf - ti), where a is the acceleration, vf and vi are the final and initial velocities, and tf and ti are the final and initial times.

4. Can acceleration be negative?

Yes, acceleration can be negative. This indicates that the object is decelerating or slowing down.

5. How does finding acceleration given coordinates relate to Newton's second law of motion?

Finding acceleration given coordinates is a practical application of Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. By using the formula for finding acceleration given coordinates, we can determine the acceleration of an object and then use it to calculate the net force acting on the object.

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