Finding distance based off acceleration

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A car decelerates uniformly from 26.0 m/s to rest in 4.50 seconds, and the acceleration is calculated to be -5.78 m/s². To find the distance traveled, the kinematic equation x = x₀ + v₀t + (1/2)at² can be used effectively. An alternative formula, d = (v₁ + v₂)/2 * t, also provides the correct distance. The final distance calculated is approximately 58.5 meters. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying kinematic equations to solve for distance based on acceleration.
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[SOLVED] finding distance based off acceleration

Homework Statement



A car slows down uniformly from a speed of 26.0 m/s to rest in 4.50 s. How far did it travel in that time?

Homework Equations


Acceleration (you all know it)


The Attempt at a Solution


I am totally stuck all I can do is find acceleration ...-5.78m/s^2
 
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What kinematics formulas do you know for uniform acceleration? displacement formulas...
 
Last edited:
x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2 Should I try using this?
 
JDR 007 said:
x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2 Should I try using this?

you can do that since you've calculated acceleration.

you can also use d = \frac{(v1 + v2)}{2}*t

which also gives you the answer.
 
45.495m is that right?
 
JDR 007 said:
45.495m is that right?

No. how did you get that?
 
I accidentally pluged accel. in for velocity
 
so.. 26*4.5-1/2(-5.78) what am I missing
 
  • #10
58.5?...v1 26m/s v2 0m/s t=4.5
 
  • #11
You should add on the acceleraton term and multiply it by the time squared.
 
  • #12
JDR 007 said:
58.5?...v1 26m/s v2 0m/s t=4.5

That is correct.
 
  • #13
I totally was making that harder than it was, I would like to thank you for your help
 
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