Finding how long it takes given changing acceleration

In summary, using the equation vf = vi + at and converting the given velocities to be in the same units, it is found that the acceleration of the automobile is 17.83 seconds.
  • #1
lim
20
0

Homework Statement


At highway speeds, a particular automobile is capable of an acceleration of about 1.57 m/s2. At this rate, how long does it take to accelerate from 72.0 km/hr to 100.0 km/hr?


Homework Equations



I was given: vf = vi + at

The Attempt at a Solution



Simplifying the velocities I got 28 = 1.57a
and a= 17.83 s.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
lim said:

Homework Statement


At highway speeds, a particular automobile is capable of an acceleration of about 1.57 m/s2. At this rate, how long does it take to accelerate from 72.0 km/hr to 100.0 km/hr?


Homework Equations



I was given: vf = vi + at

The Attempt at a Solution



Simplifying the velocities I got 28 = 1.57a
and a= 17.83 s.

careful about units... convert km/hr to m/s or convert m/s^2 to km/hr^2...
 
  • #3


I would like to clarify the given information and assumptions in this problem. It is important to know the direction of acceleration (whether it is positive or negative) and the initial and final positions of the automobile in order to accurately solve for the time it takes to accelerate. Additionally, the given acceleration of 1.57 m/s2 may not be constant throughout the acceleration period, as factors such as air resistance and friction may affect the actual acceleration of the automobile. It would be beneficial to conduct experiments or simulations to determine the actual acceleration and time it takes for the automobile to reach 100.0 km/hr.
 

1. How do you calculate the time it takes with changing acceleration?

To calculate the time it takes with changing acceleration, you need to use the formula t = vf - vi / a, where t is the time, vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and a is the acceleration. This formula is derived from the basic kinematic equation, vf = vi + at, where t is the time.

2. What is changing acceleration?

Changing acceleration is when the rate of change of velocity is not constant. This means that the acceleration is either increasing or decreasing over time, leading to a changing acceleration value.

3. How do you determine the final velocity when the acceleration is changing?

To determine the final velocity when the acceleration is changing, you can use the equation vf = vi + at, where vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time. Alternatively, you can use the formula vf = √(vi^2 + 2ad), where d is the displacement.

4. Can you give an example of a scenario with changing acceleration?

One example of a scenario with changing acceleration is a car that is accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 10 seconds. In this scenario, the acceleration is changing because the car is going from a standstill to a constant velocity of 60 mph. The acceleration is increasing over time until it reaches 60 mph, after which it remains constant.

5. How does changing acceleration affect the time it takes to reach a certain velocity?

Changing acceleration can affect the time it takes to reach a certain velocity because the acceleration is not constant. If the acceleration is increasing, it will take less time to reach the desired velocity compared to when the acceleration is decreasing. This is because the rate of change of velocity is higher when the acceleration is increasing, leading to a shorter time to reach the desired velocity.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
814
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
909
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
933
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
663
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
878
Back
Top