Question

Influenced by the gravitational pull of a distant star, the velocity of an asteroid changes from from +19.3 km/s to −18.8 km/s over a period of 2.07 years. (a) what is the total change in the asteroid's velocity? (indicate the direction with the sign of your answer.) -3.81e4 correct: your answer is correct. m/s (b) what is the asteroid's average acceleration during this interval? (indicate the direction with the sign of your answer.) -5.84e-6 incorrect: your answer is incorrect. how does average acceleration depend on the change in velocity and the change in time? m/s2 additional materials

Answer 1

As per above given data

initial velocity = 19.3 km/s

final velocity = - 18.8 km/s

now in order to find the change in velocity

$\Delta v = v_f - v_i$

$\Delta v = -18.8 - 19.3$

$\Delta v = -38.1 km/s$

$\Delta v = -3.81 * 10^4 m/s$

Part b)

Now we need to find acceleration

acceleration is given by formula

$a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$

given that

$\Delta v =- 3.81 * 10^4 m/s$

$\Delta t = 2.07 years = 6.53 * 10^7 s$

now the acceleration is given as

$a = \frac{-3.81 * 10^4}{6.53 * 10^7}$

$a = - 5.84 * 10^{-4}m/s^2$

so above is the acceleration