Final answer:
The barracuda will take 1.5 seconds to reach the coral reef.
Step-by-step explanation:
The barracuda is swimming at a constant velocity of 3.0 meters per second towards the coral reef, which is 4.5 meters away.
To find the time it takes to reach the reef, we can use the formula:
Time = Distance / Velocity
Substituting the given values, we have:
Time = 4.5 meters / 3.0 meters per second
= 1.5 seconds
Therefore, it will take the barracuda 1.5 seconds to reach the coral reef.