Final answer:
Using the kinematic equation, v² = u² + 2as, with the known values of final velocity (v), acceleration (a), and distance (s), we calculated the initial velocity (u) of the car to be approximately 31.62 m/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the initial velocity of the car, we can use the kinematic equation that relates initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, and distance traveled:
v² = u² + 2as
Where:
We are given:
Let's rearrange the equation to solve for the initial velocity u:
u² = v² - 2as
u² = (40 m/s)² - 2 × 1.5 m/s² × 200 m
u² = 1600 m²/s² - 600 m²/s²
u² = 1000 m²/s²
u = √1000 m²/s²
u = 31.62 m/s (approximately)
The initial velocity of the car is approximately 31.62 m/s.