Question

What is a car’s acceleration if it increases its speed from 5 m/s to 20 m/s in 3 s?

a:5 m/s2

b:15 m/s2

c:-15 m/s2

d:10 m/s2

Answer 1

The formula for acceleration is:

a = (Vf - Vi) / t

Where:

a = acceleration

Vf = final velocity

Vi = initial velocity

t = time

(Note that the formula can also be written using V, Velocity, and V0, Velocity Nought/zero. Its the same as final and initial velocity, with initial being nought)

We have all we need to do the problem now:

Vf = 20 m/s

Vi = 5 m/s

t = 3s

a = (20 - 5) / 3

a = 5 m/s^2