What are the steps to solving a velocity-time problem with uniform acceleration?

In summary, a motorist starting a car from rest accelerates uniformly to a speed of V ms in 6 seconds. He maintains this speed for 50 seconds and then applies the brakes and decelerates uniformly to rest. The deceleration is four times the initial acceleration. The total distance traveled is 1000 meters. To solve for the initial acceleration, the problem can be broken down into three time/distance zones. In the first zone (0<t<6), the speed at the 6-second point can be expressed in terms of the acceleration. The distance traveled in this zone can also be expressed in terms of the acceleration.
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Homework Statement


A motorist starting a car from rest accelerates uniformly to a speed of V ms in 6 seconds. He maintains this speed for 50 seconds and then applies the brake sand decelerates uniformly to rest. His deceleration numerically equal to four times the initial acceleration. The total distance traveled is 1000 meters

Homework Equations



1) Sketch a vt graph for the journey
2) calculate the time during which the deceleration takes place
3) calculate value of v
4) Calculate the initial acceleration.

The Attempt at a Solution



1) is straight forward
2) a= 6/4 =1.5s
3) can you use s= ut+ 1/2at^2?
4) .?

I struggle with these types of question so any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,
 
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  • #2
2) Agree.
3) That is good one to use, but I think it might be easier to solve 4), a, first.
4) Break the problem up into 3 time/distance zones. Looking at zone 1 (0<t<6) first, what would you get for v (at the 6-second point) in terms of a? What would you get for the distance traveled in zone 1, in terms of a, etc...
 

1. What is a velocity time problem?

A velocity time problem is a type of physics problem that involves finding the velocity of an object at a specific time or the distance traveled by an object in a given amount of time.

2. How do you solve a velocity time problem?

To solve a velocity time problem, you need to use the formula v = d/t, where v is velocity, d is distance, and t is time. You also need to have at least two of these variables given in the problem. You can manipulate the formula to solve for the missing variable.

3. What units are used for velocity and time in a velocity time problem?

Velocity is typically measured in meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h), while time is measured in seconds (s) or hours (h). It is important to make sure that the units for velocity and time are consistent in order to get an accurate answer.

4. What are some real-life applications of velocity time problems?

Velocity time problems are commonly used in various fields such as engineering, transportation, and sports. For example, calculating the velocity of a car on a highway or the speed of a runner in a race are both applications of velocity time problems.

5. Can you use a velocity time graph to solve a velocity time problem?

Yes, a velocity time graph can provide useful information for solving a velocity time problem. The slope of the graph represents the velocity, and the area under the graph represents the distance traveled. By analyzing the graph, you can determine the velocity and distance at a given time.

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