Which Equation Should Be Used for Finding Maximum Constant Deceleration?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving kinematics, specifically focusing on finding the maximum constant deceleration given initial speed, time to stop, and distance. Participants are exploring which equations are appropriate for this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers using either v = u + at or s = 1/2at^2 + ut, questioning the relevance of displacement versus distance. Some participants inquire whether both equations yield the same result, while others point out that constant acceleration implies a singular value for deceleration given the inputs.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the relationship between distance and displacement, and the implications of the problem's parameters. There is no explicit consensus, but various interpretations and clarifications are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential conflicts in the problem statement regarding the definitions of distance and displacement, as well as the implications of the given data.

sandman203
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Homework Statement



Hi all this is just a quickie, but in one of my texts a question asks to find the maximum constant deceleration given an initial speed, time to stop and the distance it took.

Now I am not sure whether to use v = u + at or s = 1/2at^2 + ut

im thinking more v = u + at because I am not given displacement, I am given a distance.. any thoughts? cheers!
 
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Do both give the same answer?
 
If it's constant acceleration, and the given inputs are the initial speed and time to stop, there there is only one possible constant acceleration (deceleration). The maximum and minimum would be the same. I'm not sure why that was mentioned. It the distance to stop is also given, it either corresponds to the time, or else there's a conflict in the problem statement.
 
Why would you think, in this case, that displacement is not equal to distance?
 

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