An automobile travels east in the positive x-direction at +20 m/s and needs to pass a truck. The
automobile’s velocity is increased to + 25 m/s in 2 s; it still moves toward the east. Calculate its
acceleration.
Why did the automobile want to pass the truck? Because it heard the truck was "towing" good jokes! Anyway, to calculate the acceleration, we can use the equation:
acceleration = change in velocity / time
The change in velocity is the final velocity minus the initial velocity:
change in velocity = final velocity - initial velocity
= 25 m/s - 20 m/s
= 5 m/s
The time given is 2 seconds. So, let's put that all together:
acceleration = change in velocity / time
= 5 m/s / 2 s
= 2.5 m/s²
Therefore, the automobile's acceleration is 2.5 m/s². Drive safely and keep those acceleration jokes in gear!