What is the boat's speed after an additional 2.6 seconds have elapsed?

AI Thread Summary
The speedboat accelerates from rest to 3.4 m/s in 1.8 seconds, resulting in an acceleration of 1.889 m/s². To find the speed after an additional 2.6 seconds, the total elapsed time is 4.4 seconds. Using the formula v = v_0 + a t, the final speed is calculated as 8.31 m/s. The importance of using significant figures is emphasized, as rounding can affect the outcome. Accurate calculations are essential for determining the correct speed of the boat.
Kildars
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Starting from rest, a speedboat reaches a speed of 3.4 m/s in 1.8 s. What is the boat's speed after an additional 2.6 s has elapsed, assuming the boat's acceleration remains the same?

I have tried finding the velocity for the first 1.8 seconds

v = v_0 + a t

3.4 = 0 + a(1.8)

3.4 / 1.8

a = 1.889

Then tried finding the final velocity assuming it was the same, but using 3.4 as the initial velocity..

v = 3.4 + (1.8)(3.6)

Didn't work.

I also tried v = (1.8)(4.4) adding the total time together, and using v0 as 0.
 
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Kildars said:
...

v = 3.4 + (1.8)(3.6)

Didn't work.

It's v = 3.4 + 1.8*2.6
 
radou said:
It's v = 3.4 + 1.8*2.6

Yeah that's a typo on my part, I meant to type 2.6

The velocity still comes out to 8.08 and that is incorrect.
 
Well, I get 8.31 s, and if that is not the answer, then Houston, we have a problem...
 
civil_dude said:
Well, I get 8.31 s, and if that is not the answer, then Houston, we have a problem...


How do you get 8.31?
 
I always use 3 significant figures, 3.4/1.8 = a =1.889, not 1.8, then round to 2 at the end.

So, (1.8 + 2.6)s is the elapsed time which equals 4.40s. Then, you multiply that by 1.889m/s/s to get 8.31m/s.
 
Last edited:
civil_dude said:
I always use 3 significant figures, 3.4/1.8 = a =1.889, not 1.8, then round to 2 at the end.

So, (1.8 + 2.6)s is the elapsed time which equals 4.40s. Then, you multiply that by 1.889m/s/s to get 8.31m/s.

I guess that was my problem, wasnt doing enough figures.
 
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