Question

A top fuel drag racer reaches a maximum speed of 330 mph at the end of the 1/4-mile (402 m) racetrack. Part A - Assuming that the acceleration is constant during the race.
a. Calculate the average value of the acceleration of the top fuel car.
b. What is the ratio of that acceleration to the acceleration due to gravity?

Answer 1

Answer:

a. 27 m/s2

b. 2.75:1

Explanation:

a.

Since it is assumed that the race car starts from rest, initial velocity, u = 0 m/s

At the end of 402 m, distance, s = 402 m; and

Final velocity, v = 330 m/h

Converting this to m/s,

$v=\dfrac{330\times1609}{3600}=147.5$ m/s

Using the equation of motion

$v^2=u^2+2as$

$a=\dfrac{v^2-u^2}{2s}$

$a=\dfrac{147.5^2-0^2}{2\times402}=27$

b.

If acceleration due to gravity is taken as 9.8 m/s2, then

$a:g=27:9.8=2.75:1$