A ball is attached to a paddle by a rubber band. The ball is initially moving away from the paddle with a speed of 4.4 m/s. After 0.33 seconds it is moving towards the paddle with a velocity of 2.8 m/s. What is the average acceleration in m/s2 during this time?
To find the average acceleration, we can use the formula:
Average acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time
Given:
Initial velocity (u) = 4.4 m/s
Final velocity (v) = -2.8 m/s (negative sign indicates moving towards the paddle)
Time (t) = 0.33 seconds
Substituting the values into the formula, we get:
Average acceleration = (-2.8 - 4.4) / 0.33
Now let's calculate it step by step:
1. Calculate the difference in velocities:
Difference in velocities = -2.8 - 4.4 = -7.2
2. Divide the difference by the time interval:
Average acceleration = -7.2 / 0.33
Using a calculator, we find:
Average acceleration ≈ -21.818 m/s^2
Therefore, the average acceleration during this time interval is approximately -21.818 m/s^2.