a truck is traveling to the right and slowing down. If we define a positive displacement to be motion to the right, the truck has...What Velocity and acceleration?
To determine the velocity and acceleration of the truck, we need more information. Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both the magnitude and direction of motion. Acceleration also has magnitude and direction.
Given that the truck is traveling to the right and slowing down, we can assume that the truck's initial velocity was positive (in the right direction) and decreasing with time.
Here is how you can determine the velocity and acceleration of the truck:
1. Measure the truck's initial position, let's call it x₁, and its final position, x₂. This will give you the displacement (∆x) of the truck.
- Displacement (∆x) = x₂ - x₁
2. Measure the time it took for the truck to travel from position x₁ to x₂. Let's call it ∆t. This will give you the time interval of the motion.
3. Calculate the average velocity using the displacement and time interval:
- Average velocity = Displacement (∆x) / Time interval (∆t)
- If the average velocity is positive, it means the truck is traveling to the right.
4. To find the instantaneous velocity (the velocity at a particular moment), you can plot the displacement as a function of time and find the slope of the tangent line at a specific point. When the truck is slowing down, the instantaneous velocity will be decreasing over time.
5. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. If the truck is slowing down, the acceleration will be negative. To find the acceleration, you can calculate the change in velocity (∆v) and divide it by the time interval (∆t):
- ∆v = final velocity - initial velocity
- Acceleration = ∆v / ∆t
Remember, velocity is a vector quantity, so it includes both magnitude and direction. The negative value for the acceleration represents the direction, indicating that the truck is slowing down.