Very likely a stupid question =S Finding acceleration with formula V^2=u^2+2*a*d

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a racing driver, David Purley, who decelerated from 173 km/h to 0 km/h over a distance of 66 cm. The context is centered around using the kinematic equation V^2 = u^2 + 2*a*d to find acceleration, with the driver's mass also provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meanings of the variables in the kinematic equation and identify known and unknown values. Some express uncertainty about rearranging the formula to solve for acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on variable definitions and the application of the formula. Some guidance has been offered regarding the usefulness of the formula, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the limited information provided in the problem statement, focusing on the mass of the driver and the initial and final velocities, along with the stopping distance. There is an acknowledgment of additional variables that may be relevant but are not provided.

zachattak
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Homework Statement



racing driver, David Purley, survived a deceleration from 173km/h to 0km/h in a distance of 66cm in a crash. body mass = 55kg

Homework Equations



V^2=u^2+2*a*d is what i have to work with at the moment, i was thinking of using a=Fnet/mass. but I am having trouble finding the Fnet.

The Attempt at a Solution



honestly, i don't know where to start.
 
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In the formula you gave,
[tex]v^2 = u^2 + 2ad[/tex]
what do all the letters mean?
I.e. what does v stand for, and u, and a and d?
Can you also list for which ones values are given in the problem and which ones are still unknown?
 
CompuChip said:
In the formula you gave,
[tex]v^2 = u^2 + 2ad[/tex]
what do all the letters mean?
I.e. what does v stand for, and u, and a and d?
Can you also list for which ones values are given in the problem and which ones are still unknown?
um, the only variables and values they gave me are, the mass of the driver '55kg', the initial velocity '173 km/h' final velocity '0km/h' and the stopping distance '66cm'
i understand that there are a few other things which may help, but that's all he gave us
v=final velocity
u=initial velocity
a=acceleration
d=distance


sorry about this, this is my first post on here and yeah, sorry mate.
 
Look closely at the two lists.
Seems to me that the formula is very useful... there is just one unknown quantity in there, isn't it?
 
yeah, my main problem is i don't know how to rearrange the formula =S
 
OK, what formula do you get when you plug in all the given values?
 

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