Physics 210 Problems - My Solutions

Dr. Hulan E. Jack Jr.

Chapter 2 P 30  
Serway, Faughn and Vuille: College Physics 8th Edition , Thomson Brooks/Cole, Vol I(ISBN #) 978-049511374-3

THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

Ch 2 30. A speedboat increases its speed uniformly from vi = 20.0 m/s to vf = 30.0 m/s in a
distance of 2.00 X 102 m.
(a) Draw a coordinate system for this situation and label the relevant quantities, including
vectors.

(b) For the given information, what single equation is most appropriate for finding the
acceleration?

(c) Solve the equation selected in part (b) symbolically for the boat's acceleration in terms of vf
and va and x.

(d) Substitute given values, obtaining that acceleration.

(e) Find the time it takes the boat to travel the given distance.

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 Physics 210 Problems - My Solutions
Dr. Hulan E. Jack Jr.
Ch 2 30. A speedboat increases its speed uniformly from vi = 20.0 m/s to vf = 30.0 m/s in a
distance of 2.00 X 102 m.
(a) Draw a coordinate system for this situation and label the relevant quantities, including
vectors.
(b) For the given information, what single equation is most appropriate for finding the
acceleration?
(c) Solve the equation selected in part (b) symbolically for the boat's acceleration in terms of vf
and va and x.
(d) Substitute given values, obtaining that acceleration.

(e) Find the time it takes the boat to travel the given distance

BRAINSTORMING-Definitions, concepts , principles and Discussion

Acceleration = v/t = slope of v xs t curve.

b. See Eq. 2.10 on page 36 v2 = vi2 + 2a x , where vi replaces v0 .

Some Math
(v2 = vi2 + 2a x v2 - vi2 = vi2 vi2 + 2a x subtract vi2 from both sides and simplify,
leaving v2 - vi2 = 2a x , (v2 - vi2 )/(2x) = 2 a x /(2x) , divide both sides by (2x) and
cancel as shown, leaving , (v2 - vi2 )/(2x) = a or , a = (v2 - vi2 )/(2x ) )

a = (v2 - vi2 )/(2x )

Page 2 of 3
 Physics 210 Problems - My Solutions
Dr. Hulan E. Jack Jr.

Ch 2 30. A speedboat increases its speed uniformly from vi = 20.0 m/s to vf = 30.0 m/s in a
distance of 2.00 X 102 m.
(a) Draw a coordinate system for this situation and label the relevant quantities, including
vectors.
(b) For the given information, what single equation is most appropriate for finding the
acceleration?
(c) Solve the equation selected in part (b) symbolically for the boat's acceleration in terms of vf
and va and x.
(d) Substitute given values, obtaining that acceleration.
(e) Find the time it takes the boat to travel the given distance.

Basic Solution vi=20m/s vf=30m/s

a.
0 200m
b. See Eq. 2.10 on page 36 v2 = vi2 + 2a x , where vi replaces v0 .

c. Solve for a symbolically

Some Math
(v2 = vi2 + 2a x v2 - vi2 = vi2 vi2 + 2a x subtract vi2 from both sides and simplify,
leaving v - vi = 2a x , (v2 - vi2 )/(2x) = 2 a x /(2x) , divide both sides by (2x) and
2 2

cancel as shown, leaving , (v2 - vi2 )/(2x) = a or , a = (v2 - vi2 )/(2x ) )

a = (v2 - vi2 )/(2x ) Result

d. Solve for a numerically

So , a = (v2 - vi2 )/(2x ) = ((30m/s)2 – (20m/s)2 )/(2*200m)
= ((900 (m/s)2 - 400 (m/s)2) /(400m) = ((900 (m/s)2 - 400 (m/s)2) /(400m)
= 500(m/s)2 /400m = 500/400 *m/s2
= 1.25 m/s2 .

e. Solve for time t.

Acceleration a = v/t = slope of v xs t curve.

(a = v/t, t a =t v/t multiply by t and cancel, leaving t a = v,

t a/a = v /a multiply and divide by a , cancelling leaving t = v /a )

So, t = v /a = (vf – vi) /(1.25 m/s2) = (30m/s – 20m/s)/(1.25 m/s2)

= (10m/s)/(1.25 m/s2) = 8.00 s.

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