Question

A satellite's speed is

10,000 m/s. After 1

minute, it is 5,000 m/s.

What is the satellite's

acceleration?

Answer 1

-83.33
`m/s^2`

Explanation:

Given that:

Initial speed of satellite = 10,000 m/s

Final speed of satellite = 5,000 m/s

Time taken = 1 minute

Let us convert it into seconds.

Time taken = 1 minute = 60 seconds

Let us have a look at the formula:

`v=u+at`

where
`v` is the final speed

`u` is the initial speed,

`t` is the time taken and

`a` is the acceleration

`5000=10000+a* 60\\\Rightarrow 60a = 5000-10000\\\Rightarrow 60a = -5000\\\Rightarrow a = -(5000)/(60)\\\Rightarrow \bold{a = -83.33\ m/s^2}`

Negative sign indicates that the satellite is in slowing down motion i.e. its speed is decreasing.

So, the answer is:

-83.33
`m/s^2`