Question

A cyclist going downhill is accelerating at 1. 2 m/s2. If the final velocity of the cyclist is 16 m/s after 10 seconds, what is the cyclist’s initial velocity?.

Answer 1

Answer:

$\boxed {\boxed {\sf v_i= 4 \ m/s}}$

Explanation:

We are asked to find the cyclist's initial velocity. We are given the acceleration, final velocity, and time, so we will use the following kinematic equation.

$v_f= v_i + at$

The cyclist is acceleration at 1.2 meters per second squared. After 10 seconds, the velocity is 16 meters per second.

• $v_f$= 16 m/s
• a= 1.2 m/s²
• t= 10 s

Substitute the values into the formula.

$16 \ m/s = v_i + (1.2 \ m/s^2)(10 \ s)$

Multiply.

$16 \ m/s = v_i + (1.2 \ m/s^2 * 10 \ s)$

$16 \ m/s = v_i + 12 \ m/s$

We are solving for the initial velocity, so we must isolate the variable $v_i$. Subtract 12 meters per second from both sides of the equation.

$16 \ m/s - 12 \ m/s = v_i + 12 \ m/s -12 \ m/s$

$4 \ m/s = v_i$

The cyclist's initial velocity is 4 meters per second.