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class code: SPS21 teacher: Mr. Elert
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Physics A: Problem Set 5: Acceleration

recommended reading

High Marks: 1:6–1:8
Barron's Let's Review: 2.5 Acceleration
physics.info: Acceleration
Wikipedia: Acceleration, 0 to 60 mph
HyperPhysics: Description of motion
Khan Academy: Acceleration

classwork

  1. A problem about a car (US version).
    1. A car is said to go "zero to sixty in six point six seconds". What is its acceleration in m/s2?
    2. The driver can't release his foot from the gas pedal (a.k.a. the accelerator). How many additional seconds would it take for the driver to reach 80 mph assuming the aceleration remains constant?
    3. A car moving at 80 mph has a speed of 35.8 m/s. What acceleration would it have if it took 5.0 s to come to a complete stop?

homework

  1. At main engine cutoff (MECO), the Space Shuttle is at an altitude of 113 km (70 miles), traveling 7,600 m/s (17,000 mph) relative to the Earth. This occurs 7 minutes 40 seconds into the mission. Determine the magnitude of the average acceleration experienced by the shuttle astronauts from lift off to MECO.