. A car going initially with a velocity 15 m/s accelerates at a rate of 2 m/s2 for 10 seconds. It then accelerates at a rate of -1.5 m/s until stop. Find the car’s maximum speed. Calculate the total distance traveled by the car.

The maximum speed of the car is 35 m/s

The total distance traveled by the car is 658.33 m

Explanation:

Given;

initial velocity of the car, u = 15 m/s

acceleration of the car, a = 2 m/s²

time of car motion, t = 10 s

(i)

Initial distance traveled by the car is given by;

d₁ = ut + ¹/₂at²

d₁ = (15 x 10) + ¹/₂(2)(10)²

d₁ = 150 + 100

d₁ = 250 m

The maximum speed of the car during this is given by;

v² = u² + 2ad₁

v² = (15)² + (2 x 2 x 250)

v² = 1225

v = √1225

v = 35 m/s

(ii)

The final distance cover by the car during the deceleration of 1.5 m/s².

Note: the final or maximum speed of the car becomes the initial velocity during deceleration.

v² = u² + 2ad₂

where;

v is the final speed of the car when it stops = 0

0 = u² + 2ad₂

0 = (35²) + (2 x - 1.5 x d₂)

0 = 1225 - 3d₂

3d₂ = 1225

d₂ = 1225 / 3

d₂ = 408.33 m

The total distance traveled by the car is given by;

d = d₁ + d₂

d = 250 m + 408.33 m

d = 658.33 m