A motorcycle moves according to the velocity-time graph shown in Figure 3.28. Find the average acceleration of
the motorcycle during each of the following segments of
the motion: (a) A, (b) B, and (c) C.

a) 1 m/s²

b) -1 m/s²

c) 0 m/s² (constant speed, not accelerating)

Explanation:

A

delta speed = 10 - 0

delta time = 10 - 0

delta speed / delta time = 10/10

delta speed / delta time = 1

B

ds = 5 - 10

dt = 15 - 10

ds / dt = -5 / 5

ds / dt = -1

C

ds = 5 - 5

dt = 25 - 15

ds / dt = 0 / 10

ds / dt = 0

Explanation:

a = Δv/Δt = (v₁ - v₀) / (t₁ - t₀)

A a = (10 - 0) / (10 - 0) = 1 m/s²

B a = (5 - 10) / (15 - 10) = -1 m/s²

C a = (5 - 5) / (25 - 15) =  0 m/s²