/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 36 You're driving at speed \(v_{0}\... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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You're driving at speed \(v_{0}\) when you spot a stationary moose on the road, a distance \(d\) ahead. Find an expression for the magnitude of the acceleration you need if you're to stop before hitting the moose.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The magnitude of the deceleration needed to avoid hitting the moose and to stop the car in time is given by \(a = -v_0^2 / (2d)\)

Step by step solution

01

State the Knowns and Unknowns

The initial velocity of the car is \(v_0\), and it has to cover a distance \(d\) before it stops, i.e. reaches a final speed (\(v\)) of zero. We need to find the acceleration (\(a\)), which will actually be a deceleration because the car is slowing down.
02

Apply the Second Equation of Motion

We will use the second equation of motion \(v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a \cdot d\) to find out the acceleration. Since the car must stop before it hits the moose, it is known that its final velocity \(v\) will be 0. Hence the equation will now look like: \(0 = v_0^2 + 2a \cdot d\).
03

Solve for Acceleration

Rearrange the equation to solve for \(a\), which gives us \(a = -v_0^2 / (2d)\). Note that the acceleration is negative as the car is decelerating.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Kinematics
Kinematics is a fundamental concept in physics that deals with the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause this motion. It focuses on quantities such as velocity, acceleration, displacement, and time. Understanding kinematics allows us to describe the motion of an object in clear terms.
In the given exercise, key kinematic variables are involved — initial velocity (\(v_0\)), distance (\(d\)), final velocity (\(v\)), and acceleration (\(a\)). Here, we are particularly interested in understanding how an object moves from a known initial velocity to a stop over a known distance. This situation involves understanding the kinematic concepts essential for analyzing motion in a straight line.
  • Velocity: This refers to the speed of an object in a specific direction. Initial velocity (\(v_0\)) begins the scenario before the object is influenced by deceleration.
  • Displacement: In this context, displacement is the total distance (\(d\)) the object covers as it slows to a halt.
  • Acceleration: This is the rate at which velocity changes over time. In this problem, due to deceleration, it will result in a reduction of speed.
Understanding these variables helps break down and predict how objects will behave as they move through space.
Equations of Motion
Equations of motion are mathematical formulas that describe the motion of an object under the action of forces. They link kinematic concepts such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration, providing a complete description of the object's motion.
In the given problem, we utilized one of the key equations of motion: \(v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a \cdot d\).
This equation is instrumental in scenarios where you understand the initial situation but need to find missing variables. In this case, since the car comes to a stop, the final velocity \(v\) is zero. This simplifies our problem significantly, making it easier to isolate and calculate the necessary deceleration.
  • This formula is derived from integrating the basic kinematic definitions and yields a direct relationship between the velocities, acceleration, and displacement of an object.
  • By rearranging the equation, we solve for \(a\) showing how acceleration is directly contingent upon the square of the initial velocity and inversely proportional to the distance over which it decelerates.
By grasping the use of these equations, students can solve a wide range of problems involving linearly moving objects.
Deceleration
Deceleration is essentially negative acceleration, indicating a decrease in the velocity of an object. In practical terms, it represents an object slowing down over time. Recognizing and calculating deceleration is crucial in many real-world scenarios where stopping or reducing speed is vital, such as in car braking situations.
In the exercise, the need to decelerate is made evident by the requirement to stop the vehicle before reaching the moose. Basically, deceleration is what enables the driver to avoid a collision.
Notably, in calculations, we see that the acceleration \(a\) obtained is negative, further confirming it is indeed deceleration (\(a = -v_0^2 / (2d)\)).
  • The negative sign here aptly captures the concept that the car's velocity is decreasing with time.
  • Understanding deceleration helps in anticipating time and distance needed to bring moving objects to rest safely.
Grasping deceleration allows students to model and predict how much and how fast an object needs to slow down in order to avoid things like accidents, providing not only mathematical skill but practical safety awareness.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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