Question

On a rollercoaster ride at an amusement park, a car travels from 7.6 m/s to 56 m/s in 3 seconds. What is the average acceleration of the rollercoaster during this time interval?

A) 16.8 m/s²

B) 49.4 m/s²

C) 16.1 m/s²

D) 23.5 m/s²

Answer 1

The average acceleration of the rollercoaster can be determined by the formula for acceleration, which is the change in velocity divided by the time taken. For the given change in velocity from 7.6 m/s to 56 m/s over 3 seconds, the average acceleration is calculated to be 16.1 m/s².

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the average acceleration of the rollercoaster, we use the formula:

a = (Δv) / (Δt), where:

• a is the acceleration,
• Δv is the change in velocity,
• Δt is the change in time.

In this case:

• Δv = final velocity - initial velocity,
• Δv = 56 m/s - 7.6 m/s,
• Δv = 48.4 m/s.

Time interval, Δt = 3 seconds.

Hence:

average acceleration, a = 48.4 m/s / 3 s,

average acceleration, a = 16.1 m/s².

The correct answer is C) 16.1 m/s².