An ice sled powered by a rocket engine starts from rest on a large frozen lake and accelerates at +42 ft/s2. After some time t1, the rocket engine is shut down and the sled moves with constant velocity v for a time t2. Assume the total distance traveled by the sled is 15800 ft and the total time is 90 s.

a) find times t1 & t2 (s)
b)find velocity (ft/s)
At the 15800 ft mark, the sled begins to accelerate at -24 ft/s2.
(c) What is the final position of the sled when it comes to rest?
ft

(d) What is the duration of the entire trip?

2 answers

t1 + t2 = 90
15,800 ft = acceleration distance + coasting distance

(1/2)*42*t1^2 + (42*t1)*t2 = 15800

Solve those two equations in the two unknowns, t1 and t2. The substitution method should work.

(b) V = 42 * t1 (after acceleration)

Use the value of t1 derived in part (a) to compute the initial V when deceleration begins.

(c) Let t' = deceleration time

24 t' = V

Solve for t'

Additional distance travelled while decelerating = (V/2)*t'

Add that to 15,800 for final position.
jewish!!!