Question

A rabbit is moving in the positive x-direction at 2.70 m/s when it spots a predator and accelerates to a velocity of 13.3 m/s along the positive y-axis, all in 2.40 s. Determine the x-component and the y-component of the rabbit's acceleration. (Enter your answers in m/s2. Indicate the direction with the signs of your answers.)

Answer 1

Answer:

$a_x=-1.125\ m.s^{-2}$

$a_y=5.5416\ m.s^{-2}$

Explanation:

Given:

• velocity of rabbit in positive x direction, $v_x=2.7\ m.s^{-1}$

• velocity of rabbit in positive y direction, $v_y=13.3\ m.s^{-1}$

• time taken to change the direction of velocity, $t=2.4\ s$

When the velocity is in x direction then the y component is zero and vice-versa.

The velocity in x direction goes from $2.7\ m.s^{-1} to\ 0\ m.s^{-1}$, therefore acceleration:

$a_x=\frac{0-2.7}{2.4}$

$a_x=-1.125\ m.s^{-2}$

The velocity in y direction goes from $0\ m.s^{-1}\ to\ 13.3\ m.s^{-1}$, therefore acceleration:

$a_y=\frac{13.3-0}{2.4}$

$a_y=5.5416\ m.s^{-2}$