The car's acceleration, calculated as -2.5 m/s^2, indicates a deceleration as it slows from an initial velocity of 15 m/s to a stop over a period of 6.0 seconds.
The acceleration of an object (a) can be calculated using the formula:
a = Δv / Δt
where:
a is the acceleration,
Δv is the change in velocity, and
Δt is the change in time.
In this case, a car is slowing down to a stop, so the change in velocity (Δv) is equal to the initial velocity (v_initial) since the final velocity is 0 m/s. The initial velocity is given as 15 m/s.
Δv = v_final - v_initial = 0 m/s - 15 m/s = -15 m/s
The change in time (Δt) is given as 6.0 seconds.
Now, plug these values into the formula:
a = Δv / Δt = -15 m/s / 6.0 s
Calculate this expression to find the acceleration:
a = -2.5 m/s^2
Therefore, the car's acceleration is -2.5 m/s^2 (negative because the car is slowing down).