Question

A ball moving with an initial velocity of 5 m/s comes to rest after 2s. What was the ball's acceleration?

Answer 1

Answer:

-2.5m/s²

Explanation:

The acceleration of a body is giving by the rate of change of the body's velocity. It is given by

a = Δv / t        ----------------(i)

Where;

a = acceleration (measured in m/s²)

Δv = change in velocity = final velocity - initial velocity   (measure in m/s)

t = time taken for the change (measured in seconds(s))

From the question;

i. initial velocity = 5m/s

final velocity = 0 [since the body (ball) comes to rest]

Δv = 0 - 5 = -5m/s

ii. time taken = t = 2s

Substitute these values into equation (i) as follows;

a = (-5m/s) / (2s)

a = -2.5m/s²

Therefore, the acceleration of the ball is -2.5m/s²

NB: The negative sign shows that the ball was actually decelerating.