What is the magnitude of the car's displacement

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude of a car's displacement while accelerating uniformly from an initial speed of 83 km/h to a final speed of 94 km/h, with a constant acceleration of 0.85 m/s². The relevant equation for this calculation is vf² = vi² + 2a(Δx), where vi is the initial velocity, vf is the final velocity, a is acceleration, and Δx is displacement. Participants emphasize the importance of converting units from km/h to m/s to ensure consistency in calculations. The discussion highlights that determining the time interval is also crucial for solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations in physics
  • Knowledge of unit conversion from km/h to m/s
  • Familiarity with concepts of initial and final velocity
  • Basic grasp of acceleration and displacement
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to convert km/h to m/s accurately
  • Study the derivation and application of kinematic equations
  • Explore the relationship between time, velocity, and displacement
  • Practice solving problems involving uniform acceleration
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Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding motion under uniform acceleration.

Catgirl-Pink
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I've got a problem I can't seem to figure out.."A certain car is capable of accelerating at a uniform rate of 0.85 m/s^2 (<-- squared). What is the magnitude of the car's displacement as it accelerates uniformly from a speed of 83 km/h to one of 94 km/h? "(Note: in my book we use vi= initial velocity ,vf=final velocity, a=acceleration, delta t=time interval and delta x = displacement) I think I'm supposed to use the equation vf^2= vi^2 + 2a(delta x)...I might have to rearrange it..I'm not sure..
 
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The first step will be to determine how long (the time) it takes to accelerate to you max speed. Given that time and the relationship that tells you how far you travel under constant acceleration from an initial velocity, you can compute how far you have traveled.

EDIT: It has been pointed out that my approach is not the only possible one. You may well have at your disposal a single equation which will provide the solution. You will find that very frequently the key information in this type of problem is the time. I am a creature of habit, I simply do what I know will work.
 
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Catgirl-Pink said:
I've got a problem I can't seem to figure out.."A certain car is capable of accelerating at a uniform rate of 0.85 m/s^2 (<-- squared). What is the magnitude of the car's displacement as it accelerates uniformly from a speed of 83 km/h to one of 94 km/h? "(Note: in my book we use vi= initial velocity ,vf=final velocity, a=acceleration, delta t=time interval and delta x = displacement) I think I'm supposed to use the equation vf^2= vi^2 + 2a(delta x)...I might have to rearrange it..I'm not sure.

You're right about the equation to use.

There's one more thing to keep in mind : UNITS. You need to use the same units throughout, so convert km/hr to m/s before substituting into the equation.
 
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