Final answer:
Using the formula for acceleration, the sloth's acceleration, while slowing down, is calculated to be -2 m/s². This indicates a deceleration as the sloth comes to a halt after coasting for 6 seconds from an initial velocity of 12 m/s east.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the sloth starts coasting at a speed of 12 m/s east and comes to a halt after 6 seconds, we can calculate the sloth's acceleration using the formula for acceleration:
a = (vf - vi) / t
where vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time taken to decelerate.
Since the sloth comes to a halt, the final velocity vf is 0 m/s. The initial velocity vi is 12 m/s and the time t is 6 seconds.
Substituting these values into the formula:
a = (0 m/s - 12 m/s) / 6 s
a = -12 m/s / 6 s
a = -2 m/s²
Therefore, the sloth's acceleration is -2 m/s², which implies a deceleration (slowing down) to the east.