Understanding Velocity and Acceleration: Calculating the Final Velocity of a Moving Car
Introduction
In the field of physics, understanding the concepts of velocity and acceleration is fundamental. This article will focus on how to calculate the final velocity of a car given its initial velocity and constant acceleration over a specified period. We will use the well-known suvat equations, a set of formulas derived from Newton's laws of motion, to solve this problem.Key Concepts: Velocity and Acceleration
Before diving into the calculations, it's essential to clarify the differences between velocity and acceleration: Velocity: This is the rate at which an object changes its position over time and is measured in meters per second (m/s). Acceleration: This is the rate at which velocity changes over time and is measured in meters per second squared (m/s2).Given Information and Problem Statement
Consider a car that is initially traveling at a velocity of 10 meters per second (m/s) and is uniformly accelerated at a rate of 2 meters per second squared (m/s2). Our task is to determine the car's velocity after 5 seconds.Solving the Problem Using the SUVAT Equations
The SUVAT equations are commonly used in motion problems. For this specific scenario, the relevant equation to use is the first equation of motion:Vf Vi a1t
Here: Vf final velocity Vi initial velocity a acceleration (note the unit: not m/s but m/s2) t timePlugging in the Values
Given the values: Vi 10 m/s a 2 m/s2 t 5 s Substitute these values into the equation to find Vf:Vf 10 m/s (2 m/s2) × (5 s)
Perform the calculation:Vf 10 m/s 10 m/s
Vf 20 m/s
Thus, the final velocity of the car after 5 seconds is 20 meters per second.