Travel time for an accelerating car

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the total travel time for a car accelerating at 5 m/s² to a speed limit of 50 km/h, maintaining that speed for 30 seconds, and then decelerating at -3.0 m/s² to a stop. The user correctly converts the speed limit to 13.9 m/s and calculates the time taken to accelerate (2.8 seconds), the time spent at the speed limit (30 seconds), and the time taken to decelerate (4.6 seconds). The total time from start to stop is accurately determined to be 37.4 seconds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics principles
  • Knowledge of acceleration and deceleration calculations
  • Ability to convert units (e.g., km/h to m/s)
  • Familiarity with basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion
  • Learn about real-world applications of acceleration in automotive engineering
  • Explore the effects of varying acceleration on travel time
  • Investigate the impact of friction and drag on vehicle deceleration
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding vehicle dynamics and motion calculations.

Irukandji
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Hi guys,

i hope i find the right Sub-Forum. Can you please tell me if i calculated it right.

A car speed's up with 5 m/s² to a speed limit of 50Km/h. After it arrived the speedlimit it drives for 30s with the speed of 50km/h. After that it break with a negative acceleration 3.0m/s² to stop the car. How many time it need from start to stop?

My calculation:

(50km/h) : 3,6 = 13,9 m/s

first step:

t = v/a
t= 13,9m/s : 5m/s² = 2,8s

second:

t= 30s

third:

t= v/a =13,9m/s : 3m/s² = 4,6s

Now i add this

t1 + t2 +t3 = 2,8s + 30s + 4,6s = 37,4s

My result is 37,4s. Is this right or iam totally wrong?
 
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Looks good to me.
 
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Thanks this makes me happy.
 

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