Question

A bike is traveling to the left with the speed of 27 m/s when the rider slams on the brakes. The bike skids for 41.5 m with the constant acceleration before it comes to a stop.
What was the acceleration of the bike as it cane to a stop?

Answer 1

The acceleration of the bike is equal to $8.78\frac{m}{s^{2}}$ opposing the movement (to the right).

Why?

Since after the rider slams the brakes, the bike came to a stop, we know that the acceleration is opposite to the velocity/movement.

We can use the following equation to calculate the acceleration:

$v_{f}^{2}=v_{o}^{2}+2*a*d$

So, substituting, we have: (let's consider negative to the left and positive to the right)

$0=(-27\frac{m}{s} )^{2}+2*a*41.5m\\\\0=729\frac{m^{2} }{s^{2} }+83*a\\\\a=\frac{-729\frac{m^{2}}{s^{2}}}{83m}=-8.78\frac{m}{s^{2}}$

The negative sign means that the acceleration's direction is opposite to the movement.

Hence, we have that the acceleration is equal to $8.78\frac{m}{s^{2}}$ opposing the movement (to the right).

Have a nice day!

Answer 2

Answer: 8.78

Explanation: