Question

A typical maximum speed for a unicycle is about 5 mph. While riding his giraffe unicycle, Mike accelerates from rest to the typical maximum speed in 2.5 s. How far does Mike travel during this time?

Answer 1

`s = 9.167\,ft`

Step-by-step explanation:

Converting units into fundamental units is the first step. The maximum speed is:

`v_(f) = (5\,(mi)/(h) )\cdot ((5280\,ft)/(1\,mi) )\cdot ((1\,h)/(3600\,s) )`

`v_(f) = 7.333\,(ft)/(s)`

Let assume that Mike accelerates at a constant rate. Hence, accelaration is obtained from this formula:

`a = (v_(f))/(t)`

`a = (7.333\,(ft)/(s) )/(2.5\,s)`

`a = 2.933\,(m)/(s^(2))`

Then, distance travelled by the unicycle can be found easily:

`s = ((7.333\,(m)/(s) )^(2))/(2\cdot (2.933\,(m)/(s^(2)) ))`

`s = 9.167\,ft`