What is the average acceleration of a car

In summary, the average acceleration of the car is 1.82 m/s2. This is calculated by converting the initial velocity of 0 m/s to 16.4 m/s in 9.0 seconds using the constant acceleration formula.
  • #1
espo
what is the average acceleration of a car that goes from rest to 59 km h in 9.0 seconds?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
acceleration is definined to be change in velocity per unit time.

What is your change in velocity?

What is your change in time?

Can you take it from there?
 
  • #3
First convert 59 Km/h into m/s:

59 * 1000 / 3600 (seconds in an hour) (m in a Km)

59 / 3.6 = 16.4 m/s

Then use the constant acceleration formula:

v = u + at
16.4 = 0 + a*9.0
a = 16.4/9.0
a = 1.82 m/s2
 
  • #4
Generally, lavalamp, we lead them in the right direction and then let them figure it out from there. Thats the way their teachers would want it.
 
  • #5
Oops, I'll try and remember that in future. :frown:
 

1. What is the definition of acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate of change of an object's velocity over time. In other words, it is how quickly an object's velocity is changing.

2. How is average acceleration calculated?

Average acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. The formula for average acceleration is a = (vf - vi) / t, where vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

3. Why is the average acceleration of a car important?

The average acceleration of a car is important because it can tell us how quickly the car is gaining or losing speed. This information is useful for understanding the performance of the car and for making predictions about its motion.

4. How does the average acceleration of a car differ from its instantaneous acceleration?

The average acceleration of a car is the average rate of change of its velocity over a specific time interval, while instantaneous acceleration is the acceleration at a specific moment in time. The average acceleration gives us an overall understanding of the car's motion, while instantaneous acceleration can vary greatly depending on the specific moment in time.

5. What factors can affect the average acceleration of a car?

The average acceleration of a car can be affected by several factors, including the power of the car's engine, the weight of the car, the condition of the road, and external forces such as friction or air resistance. Additionally, the driver's actions, such as braking or accelerating, can also impact the car's average acceleration.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
780
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
882
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
943
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
590
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top