Linear Motion at Constant Acceleration Problem

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SUMMARY

The problem involves a cyclist descending a slope with an initial velocity of 3.00 m/s and covering a distance of 50.0 m in 5 seconds. The correct formula to determine acceleration is \(\Delta x = V_0 t + 0.5 a t^2\). The calculated acceleration should be 2.80 m/s², contrasting with the incorrect value of 3.76 m/s² derived from a misapplication of the formula. The key error was neglecting to multiply the initial velocity by time.

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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



[tex]\Delta[/tex]x= 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



[tex]\Delta[/tex]x= 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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