A car uniformly accelerates from rest at 3 m/s^2 for 8 seconds. At the end of the 8 seconds the car uniformly brakes at -5m/s^2 for 4 seconds. What total distance is traveled by the car during the 12 seconds of motion?

Answer 1

first 8 seconds:

v = 0 + 3 *8 = 24 m/s at t = 8m/s
x = 0 + 0 t + (1/2)(3)(64) = 96m

the brakes for four seconds
Vi = 24
a = -5
Xi = 96
t = 4

x = 96 + 24(4) - (1/2)(5)(16)
x = 96 + 96 - 40
x = 152

Answer 2

I think this is a two part question, but I don't understand what I am supposed to be solving for:( Do I frist solve for the distance from 0 - 8 seconds and then 9-12 seconds?

Answer 3

Oh....I get it now! Thanks for your help! This has helped me understand many topics in Physics that we have covered this year! Thank you so much! You have no idea how much relief your help has brought me!

Answer 4

You are welcome :)