The average acceleration of a driver during a car collision can be calculated using the initial speed of 81 km/h, which converts to 22.5 m/s, and the stopping distance of 0.85 m. By applying the kinematic equation \( v^2 = u^2 + 2as \), where \( v \) is the final velocity (0 m/s), \( u \) is the initial velocity (22.5 m/s), \( a \) is the acceleration, and \( s \) is the distance (0.85 m), the average acceleration is determined to be approximately -162.25 m/s². This negative value indicates deceleration during the collision.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and kinematics, as well as individuals interested in automotive safety and collision analysis.
atbruick said:Homework Statement
A car traveling 81 km/h strikes a tree. The front end of the car compresses and the driver comes to rest after traveling 0.85 m.
What was the average acceleration of the driver during the collision?
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I've converted the speed to meters per second but keep getting stuck when trying to get the equations of the distances.