To find the acceleration of the car, we need to use the kinematic equation that relates distance, initial velocity, time, and acceleration. The equation is:
distance = initial velocity * time + (0.5 * acceleration * time^2)
In this case, the car starts from rest, so the initial velocity is 0. We are given the distance (36 meters) and the time (5 seconds).
Plugging in the known values into the equation, we have:
36 = 0 * 5 + (0.5 * acceleration * 5^2)
Simplifying further:
36 = 0 + (0.5 * 25 * acceleration)
36 = 12.5 * acceleration
Dividing both sides by 12.5:
acceleration = 36 / 12.5
acceleration = 2.88 m/s^2
Therefore, the acceleration of the car is 2.88 m/s^2.