Question 318 of 949
A car accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed of 20 m/s in 5 seconds. What is the distance covered by the car during this time?
- 25 meters
- 50 meters
- 100 meters
- 200 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 5 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) = 5 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:
- \(s\) = distance covered
- \(u\) = initial velocity
- \(a\) = acceleration
- \(t\) = time
### Step 3: Calculate the Acceleration
First, we need to find the acceleration (a) of the car. We can use the formula:
\[
a = \frac{v - u}{t}
\]
Substituting the known values:
\[
a = \frac{20 \, \text{m/s} - 0 \, \text{m/s}}{5 \, \text{s}} = \frac{20 \, \text{m/s}}{5 \, \text{s}} = 4 \, \text{m/s}^2
\]
### 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:
\[
s = (0 \, \text{m/s})(5 \, \text{s}) + \frac{1}{2} (4 \, \text{m/s}^2)(5 \, \text{s})^2
\]
Calculating the first term:
\[
(0 \, \text{m/s})(5 \, \text{s}) = 0 \, \text{m}
\]
Calculating the second term:
\[
\frac{1}{2} (4 \, \text{m/s}^2)(25 \, \text{s}^2) = \frac{1}{2} (100 \, \text{m}) = 50 \, \text{m}
\]
### Step 5: Combine the Results
Adding both terms together:
\[
s = 0 \, \text{m} + 50 \, \text{m} = 50 \, \text{m}
\]
### Conclusion
The distance covered by the car during the 5 seconds of acceleration is **50 meters**. Therefore, the correct option is **B**.
### Explanation of Other Options
- **A. 25 meters**: This option is incorrect because it underestimates the distance covered. The calculations show that the car travels 50 meters, not 25.
- **C. 100 meters**: This option is incorrect as it overestimates the distance. The calculations clearly indicate that the distance is 50 meters, not 100.
- **D. 200 meters**: This option is also incorrect. It is significantly higher than the calculated distance, which is 50 meters.
### Revision Summary
- Use the formula \(s = ut + \frac{1}{2} a t^2\) for uniformly accelerated motion.
- Calculate acceleration using \(a = \frac{v - u}{t}\).
- Substitute values carefully into the distance formula.
- Always check your calculations to avoid common pitfalls in physics problems.