A Drag Racer Acceleration Problem
Calculating Time Taken for Drag Racer to Travel 523m
A drag racer starts her car from rest and accelerates at 5.5 m/s² for the entire distance of 523 meters. We are asked to find out how long did it take for the car to travel this distance.
Calculations:
Given data:
- Initial velocity (u) = 0 m/s
- Acceleration (a) = 5.5 m/s²
- Distance (d) = 523 m
Using the kinematic equation:
d = ut + (1/2)at²
Substitute the values of u, a, and d into the equation:
523 = (0)t + (1/2)(5.5)t²
523 = 2.75t²
t² = 523 / 2.75
t² = 190.18
t ≈ √190.18
t ≈ 13.7 seconds (rounded to proper significant figures)
Conclusion:
The drag racer took approximately 13.7 seconds to travel the distance of 523 meters with an acceleration of 5.5 m/s².
How long did it take the drag racer to travel a distance of 523 meters with an acceleration of 5.5 m/s² if she starts from rest?
Answer: The drag racer took approximately 13.7 seconds to cover the distance. (Answer: t = 13.7 s or t = 14 s with proper significant figures)