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)

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