Final answer:
The acceleration of the pike during its strike is calculated using the change in velocity over the change in time, resulting in an acceleration of 32.5 m/s².
Step-by-step explanation:
When striking, the pike, a predatory fish, can accelerate from rest to a speed of 3.9 m/s in 0.12s. To calculate the acceleration of the pike during this strike, we can use the formula for acceleration:
a = Δv / Δt
where Δv is the change in velocity and Δt is the change in time. In this case, Δv = 3.9 m/s (the final speed) since the initial speed is 0 m/s (rest), and Δt = 0.12s.
Plugging the values into the formula:
a = 3.9 m/s / 0.12 s = 32.5 m/s²
Therefore, the acceleration of the pike is 32.5 m/s².