Problem with distance in relation to acceleration.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a car's motion, specifically focusing on acceleration, constant speed, and deceleration phases. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the calculation of distance during acceleration and seeks clarification on the relevant equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the concept of calculating distance under acceleration, questioning whether there are specific equations applicable to this scenario. The original poster considers whether they are overcomplicating the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance by suggesting the use of average speed to find distances for each segment of motion. There is an acknowledgment of the importance of understanding the equations of motion, though no consensus has been reached on the best approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates uncertainty about the calculations involved, particularly in relation to the acceleration phase and the equations that may apply. There is a reference to memorizing basic equations of motion, which may imply a need for foundational knowledge in this area.

BeeGeeks
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Homework Statement
A 1200 kg car is at a red light on a horizontal road. When the road turns to green, (t0) he starts accelerating and reaches 14 m/s in 7 seconds. He then continues at a constant speed for 10 seconds, then brakes with a -3.5 m/s^2 acceleration.

All accelerations are assumed to be constant.

a) Calculate the amount of time he spends decelerating. (What I found through graphing : 4 seconds)

b) Graph the speed in relation to time starting with t0. (Done successfully)

c) Calculate the average speed in both the acceleration and deceleration phase. (7 m/s)<- this seems weird to me)

d) Calculate the total distance between the start of the acceleration until the final stop.

I'm having trouble with point d).

The problem

I don't understand how we can calculate a distance while the object is under acceleration. I can't wrap my head around it. Is there an equation I don't know about? Or am I overcomplicating things and it's just ( for this problem) an additional 2 meters per second during the acceleration phase, then 10 seconds of adding 14 m per second and then decreasing the number you add to your total by 3 every second starting by 14 during your deceleration? is it that obvious?

Thanks in advance!
 
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BeeGeeks said:
I don't understand how we can calculate a distance while the object is under acceleration.
Why not? It's moving isn't it? What's the average speed during each segment of the motion? Use that to find the distance traveled.
 
Doc Al said:
Why not? It's moving isn't it? What's the average speed during each segment of the motion? Use that to find the distance traveled.

Thanks!
 

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