Question

A bicyclist accelerates from her initial velocity at a rate

of 0.50 meters per second squared for 4.0 seconds.
During this time, she covers a distance of 44 meters.
What is the bicyclist's initial velocity?

Answer 1

We can use the equation:

distance = initial velocity * time + (1/2) * acceleration * time^2

We know that the distance is 44 meters, the acceleration is 0.50 meters per second squared and the time is 4.0 seconds.

By substituting these values into the equation:

44 = initial velocity * 4.0 + (1/2) * 0.50 * 4.0^2

Solving for initial velocity, we get:

initial velocity = (44 - 2) / 4 = 42 / 4 = 10.5 meters per second.

So, the bicyclist's initial velocity is 10.5 meters per second.