Question 313 of 949
A car accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed of 20 m/s in 10 seconds. What is the distance covered by the car during this time?
- 50 meters
- 100 meters
- 200 meters
- 300 meters
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
To determine the distance covered by a car that accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed of 20 m/s in 10 seconds, we can use the equations of motion. Let's break this down step-by-step.
### Step 1: Identify the Given Information
- Initial velocity (\(u\)): 0 m/s (the car starts from rest)
- Final velocity (\(v\)): 20 m/s
- Time (\(t\)): 10 seconds
### Step 2: Use the Formula for Distance
When an object accelerates uniformly, the distance (\(s\)) covered can be calculated using the formula:
\[
s = ut + \frac{1}{2} a t^2
\]
where:
- \(s\) is the distance,
- \(u\) is the initial velocity,
- \(a\) is the acceleration,
- \(t\) is the time.
### Step 3: Calculate the Acceleration
First, we need to find the acceleration (\(a\)). We can use the formula:
\[
a = \frac{v - u}{t}
\]
Substituting the known values:
\[
a = \frac{20 \, \text{m/s} - 0 \, \text{m/s}}{10 \, \text{s}} = \frac{20 \, \text{m/s}}{10 \, \text{s}} = 2 \, \text{m/s}^2
\]
### Step 4: Substitute Values into the Distance Formula
Now that we have the acceleration, we can substitute \(u\), \(a\), and \(t\) into the distance formula:
\[
s = (0 \, \text{m/s})(10 \, \text{s}) + \frac{1}{2} (2 \, \text{m/s}^2)(10 \, \text{s})^2
\]
Calculating each term:
- The first term is \(0\).
- The second term is:
\[
\frac{1}{2} \times 2 \, \text{m/s}^2 \times 100 \, \text{s}^2 = 1 \times 100 = 100 \, \text{m}
\]
### Final Calculation
Thus, the total distance covered by the car is:
\[
s = 0 + 100 \, \text{m} = 100 \, \text{m}
\]
### Conclusion
The correct answer is **B. 100 meters**.
### Explanation of Other Options
- **A. 50 meters**: This option is incorrect because it underestimates the distance covered. The calculations show that the car travels 100 meters, not 50.
- **C. 200 meters**: This option is incorrect as it overestimates the distance. The formula and calculations clearly indicate that the distance is 100 meters.
- **D. 300 meters**: This option is also incorrect for the same reason as option C. The distance covered is not as high as 300 meters based on the given acceleration and time.
### Revision Summary
- Use the equations of motion to calculate distance when acceleration is uniform.
- Remember to find acceleration using \(a = \frac{v - u}{t}\).
- Substitute values into the distance formula \(s = ut + \frac{1}{2} a t^2\).
- Always check your calculations to avoid common pitfalls in physics problems.