Question

A sprinter in a 100-m race accelerates uniformly for the first 71 m and then runs with constant velocity. The sprinter’s time for the first 71 m is 9.9 s. Determine his acceleration.

Answer 1

Answer:

The acceleration of the sprinter is 1.4 m/s²

Explanation:

Hi there!

The equation of position of the sprinter is the following:

x = x0 + v0 · t + 1/2 · a · t²

Where:

x = position of the sprinter at a time t.

x0 = initial position.

v0 = initial velocity.

t = time.

a = acceleration.

Since the origin of the frame of reference is located at the starting point and the sprinter starts from rest, then, x0 and v0 are equal to zero:

x = 1/2 · a · t²

At t = 9.9 s, x = 71 m

71 m = 1/2 · a · (9.9 s)²

2 · 71 m / (9.9 s)² = a

a = 1.4 m/s²

The acceleration of the sprinter is 1.4 m/s²