Final answer:
The acceleration of the ice skater is calculated by dividing the change in velocity (4 m/s) by the time interval (1.6 seconds), resulting in an acceleration of +2.5 m/s².
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the acceleration of an ice skater who increases her speed from 3 m/s to 7 m/s in 1.6 seconds. To solve this, we can use the formula for acceleration (a), which is the change in velocity (Δv) divided by the time interval (t) over which the change occurs. The formula is: a = Δv / t.
Here:
- Initial velocity (vi) = 3 m/s
- Final velocity (vf) = 7 m/s
- Change in velocity (Δv) = vf - vi = 7 m/s - 3 m/s = 4 m/s
- Time interval (t) = 1.6 s
Using the formula for acceleration:
a = Δv / t = 4 m/s / 1.6 s = 2.5 m/s2
Therefore, the skater's acceleration is +2.5 m/s2, which corresponds to option (e).