Question

calculate the average acceleration from a period of 2 s to 10 s.
(a) average acceleration = -1.375 m/s²
(b) average acceleration = -0.125 m/s²
(c) average acceleration = 0.917 m/s²
(d) average acceleration = -0.500 m/s²

Explanation:

Step1: Recall acceleration formula

The formula for average acceleration is $a_{avg}=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}=\frac{v_f - v_i}{t_f - t_i}$.

Step2: Determine initial and final velocities and times

From the graph, at $t_i = 2\ s$, $v_i=5\ m/s$, and at $t_f = 10\ s$, $v_f=-6\ m/s$.

Step3: Calculate average acceleration

$a_{avg}=\frac{-6 - 5}{10 - 2}=\frac{-11}{8}=- 1.375\ m/s^{2}$.

Answer:

A. average acceleration = -1.375 m/s²