Linear Motion at Constant Acceleration Problem

AI Thread Summary
A cyclist descends a slope with an initial velocity of 3.00 m/s and travels 50.0 m in 5 seconds. The problem requires finding her final velocity and constant acceleration. An attempt to calculate acceleration yielded 3.76 m/s², but the correct answer is 2.80 m/s². The error was identified as neglecting to include time in the equation. The discussion highlights the importance of careful equation application in physics problems.
euphoriae
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Homework Statement


A cyclist starts at the top of a straight slope with an initial velocity of 3.00m/s. Five seconds later, she is at the bottom of the incline, having traveled 50.0m. Find her velocity at the bottom of the hill and her acceleration, assuming it to be constant.


Homework Equations



\Deltax= V0 + .5at2

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to find the acceleration first.

I got:

a= (2*[deltaX - V-initia]l)/ T2

a= [2(50-3)]/25
I keep getting 3.76 as the acceleration but the books answer is 2.80m/s2

Thanks in advanced!
 
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euphoriae said:

Homework Statement


A cyclist starts at the top of a straight slope with an initial velocity of 3.00m/s. Five seconds later, she is at the bottom of the incline, having traveled 50.0m. Find her velocity at the bottom of the hill and her acceleration, assuming it to be constant.


Homework Equations



\Deltax= V0t[/color] + .5at2

I keep getting 3.76 as the acceleration but the books answer is 2.80m/s2

Thanks in advanced!
You forgot the t after V_o! See above in red.
 
wow I feel dumb, thanks for the help! spent like 30mins trying to figure out what I did wrong =p
 
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