Question

A train reaches a speed of 35.0 m/s after accelerating at a rate of 5.00 m/s2 over a distance of 40.0 m. What was the train’s initial speed?

Answer 1

Initial velocity, U = 28.73m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the following data;

Final velocity, V = 35m/s

Acceleration, a = 5m/s²

Distance, S = 40m

To find the initial velocity (U), we would use the third equation of motion.

V² = U² + 2aS

Where;

V represents the final velocity measured in meter per seconds.

U represents the initial velocity measured in meter per seconds.

a represents acceleration measured in meters per seconds square.

S represents the displacement measured in meters.

Substituting into the equation, we have;

35² = U + 2*5*40

1225 = U² + 400

U² = 1225 - 400

U² = 825

Taking the square root of both sides, we have;

Initial velocity, U = 28.73m/s