Question

consider the velocity - time graph below. determine the acceleration of the object at 6 seconds. (if negative, then enter a negative answer)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall acceleration formula

Acceleration $a=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$, where $\Delta v$ is change in velocity and $\Delta t$ is change in time.

Step2: Identify initial and final - velocity and time

From the graph, at $t = 0$, $v_0=15$ m/s, at $t = 6$ s, $v = 6$ m/s. So, $\Delta v=v - v_0=6 - 15=- 9$ m/s and $\Delta t=6 - 0 = 6$ s.

Step3: Calculate acceleration

$a=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}=\frac{6 - 15}{6}=\frac{-9}{6}=-1.5$ m/s².

Answer:

$-1.5$ m/s²