Acceleration, a, in meters per second squared (m/5}), is found by the formula a= (V2-V2)/t where V1, is the beginning velocity, V2 is the end velocity, and t is time. What is the acceleration, in m/s², of an object with a beginning velocity of 14 m/s and end velocity of 8 m/s over a time of 4 seconds?

Rationale

Acceleration of the object is -1.5 m/s².

To find the acceleration, we use the formula a = (V2 - V1) / t. Substituting the values V1 = 14 m/s, V2 = 8 m/s, and t = 4 seconds, we calculate the acceleration as a = (8 - 14) / 4 = -6 / 4 = -1.5 m/s², indicating a decrease in velocity.

A (1.5) YOUR ANSWER

This choice represents a positive acceleration, suggesting that the object's velocity is increasing. However, the calculation shows that the object is actually slowing down, resulting in a negative acceleration of -1.5 m/s². Thus, this answer is incorrect.

B (-1.5) CORRECT

The correct calculation using the formula a = (V2 - V1) / t yields an acceleration of -1.5 m/s². This negative value indicates that the object is decelerating, as the final velocity (8 m/s) is less than the initial velocity (14 m/s).

C (4.5) YOUR ANSWER

A result of 4.5 m/s² suggests that the object is accelerating positively. This does not align with the provided velocities, where the final velocity is less than the initial velocity. The proper calculation reflects a negative change in velocity, making this choice incorrect.

D (-12) YOUR ANSWER

This choice indicates a very high negative acceleration. The calculation shows that the change in velocity over the time period is much lower, resulting in an acceleration of -1.5 m/s², not -12 m/s². This miscalculation makes option D incorrect.

Conclusion

The acceleration of -1.5 m/s² accurately reflects the change in velocity of the object, indicating a deceleration. The formula a = (V2 - V1) / t provides a straightforward method for calculating acceleration, and in this case, the negative result confirms that the object is slowing down during the 4-second interval.

Acceleration of the object is -1.5 m/s².

Related Questions

Related Quizzes

How familiar were you with this question?

Report an Issue

Rate this Practice Test