Average Acceleration and Speed

Therefore, the correct equation to use is a = (55mph - 25mph)/5s = 6 mph/s.In summary, the problem involves a car initially traveling at 25.0 mph and then accelerating to a final speed of 55 mph in 5 seconds. Using the equation a = delta v/t, the average acceleration is calculated to be 6 mph/s.
  • #1
OverlordXero
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Homework Statement



You are driving down a highway at a speed of 25.0 mph when your car accelerates at 55 mph in order to pass another car. What is the average acceleration of this car if this increase in speed occurs over a time period of 5.00 seconds?

t = 5 seconds
initial speed = 25.0 mph
acceleration = 55 mph

Homework Equations


a = delta v/ t

The Attempt at a Solution


55+(5/3600)-25 /5
=0.0176 mph

the answer is 6.00 mph/s but i still don't understand how to solve for it
 
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  • #2
The problem is incorrectly stated. One accelerates to 55mph, not at 55mph. 55mph cannot be an acceleration as it is in the wrong units. From the context, it is clear that it is intended to be the final speed.
 

Related to Average Acceleration and Speed

1. What is the difference between average acceleration and average speed?

Average acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time, while average speed is the distance traveled per unit time. In other words, acceleration measures how quickly an object's velocity is changing, while speed measures how fast the object is moving.

2. How is average acceleration calculated?

Average acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity (final velocity minus initial velocity) by the change in time. This can be represented by the formula a = (vf - vi) / t.

3. Is acceleration always constant for an object?

No, acceleration can be either constant or changing. Constant acceleration means that the rate of change in velocity remains the same, while changing acceleration means that the rate of change is varying over time.

4. How does acceleration affect an object's motion?

Acceleration affects an object's motion by changing its velocity. If an object is accelerating, its speed will either increase or decrease depending on the direction of the acceleration. An object with a constant acceleration will have a linear change in its velocity, while an object with changing acceleration will have a curved change in its velocity.

5. Can an object have a positive average speed and a negative average acceleration?

Yes, an object's average speed and acceleration can have opposite signs. This means that the object is moving in one direction (positive speed) while slowing down or moving in the opposite direction (negative acceleration).

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