What is the correct net force needed to increase a car's velocity in 30 seconds?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the net force needed to increase a car's velocity from 20 km/h to 50 km/h in 30 seconds, the formula F = m * (Δv/Δt) is used, where m is the mass of the car. With a mass of 150 kg and a change in velocity of 8.33 m/s over 30 seconds, the correct force calculation yields approximately 41.65 N. However, the initial poster was advised to round their answer to two significant figures, which is essential in physics calculations. The discussion highlights the importance of significant figures in reporting results. Proper rounding and adherence to significant figures are crucial for accurate scientific communication.
Sko
I'm doing some problems I found here:

http://library.thinkquest.org/10796/ch4/ch4q.htm

A car is moving at a constant velocity of 20 km/h (5.56 m/s). How much net force is required to raise its velocity to 50 km/h (13.89 m/s) in 30 seconds? Suppose the car has a mass of 150 kg.

I used F= (150kg)([13.89m/s-5.56m/s]/30s)
and got 41.65 N but apparently that's wrong. What am I doing wrong?
 
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The only thing you're doing wrong is writing your answer with too many significant digits. :smile: Round off to two digits.
 
Ha! My phsycis teacher doesn't make us use significant figures (chem teacher did last year) so I completely forgot to do that :P
 
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