An Electron's Velocity Calculation
Problem:
An electron has a constant acceleration of 3.2 m/s². At a certain instant its velocity is 9.6 m/s. What is its velocity 2.5 sec earlier?
Options:
A) 1.4 m/s
B) 1.6 m/s
C) 2.4 m/s
D) 3.2 m/s
Final answer:
The velocity of the electron 2.5 seconds earlier is 1.6 m/s.
Explanation:
To find the velocity of the electron 2.5 seconds earlier, we can use the equation:
v = u + at
Where:
v is the final velocity
u is the initial velocity
a is the acceleration
t is the time
Given that the acceleration is constant at 3.2 m/s² and the final velocity is 9.6 m/s, we can plug in these values to find the initial velocity:
9.6 m/s = u + (3.2 m/s²)(2.5 s)
Simplifying this equation gives:
u = 9.6 m/s - (3.2 m/s²)(2.5 s) = 9.6 m/s - 8 m/s = 1.6 m/s
Therefore, the velocity 2.5 seconds earlier is 1.6 m/s.
How did we calculate the initial velocity of the electron in this problem?