Dave is riding on a straight path. After 5 s, his speed is 3.0 m/s. After 7 s, his speed is 5.0 m/s. After 10 s, speed is 7.0 m/s. What was his acceleration from 5 s to 10 s?

1 Answer
Mar 28, 2018

The acceleration is 0.8 meters per second per second.

Explanation:

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.

His acceleration from "5 s" to "10 s" is the rate at which he changes from "3 m/s" to "7 m/s".

The change in velocity = "7 m/s" - "3 m/s" = "4 m/s"

It changes by "4 m/s" in 5 seconds, so the rate at which it changes per second is

"4 m/s"/"5 s" = "0.8 m/s"^2

Hence the acceleration is 0.8 meters per second per second.