Mechanics: 1-Dimensional Kinematics

1-D Kinematics: Audio Guided Solutions

Problem 33:

Ima Rushin can travel from Milwaukee Avenue to the school entrance gate at a constant speed of 22.5 m/s when the lights are green and there is no traffic. On Wednesday, Ima is stopped by a red light at Landwehr Road. She decelerates at -3.95 m/s/s, waits for 45.0 seconds before the light turns green and accelerates back up to speed at 4.91 m/s/s.
a. Determine the total time required to decelerate, stop and accelerate back up to speed.
b. Determine the amount of time the red light costs the driver (compared to if the car had not been stopped by the red light).

Audio Guided Solution

Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

  • Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., vo = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; vf = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.
  • Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Kinematics at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

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