Question 342 of 949
An object is moving in a straight line with an initial velocity of 10 m/s and experiences a uniform acceleration of 2 m/s². What will be its velocity after 5 seconds?
- 10 m/s
- 20 m/s
- 30 m/s
- 40 m/s
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
To determine the final velocity of an object moving in a straight line with an initial velocity and uniform acceleration, we can use the kinematic equation that relates initial velocity, acceleration, time, and final velocity. The equation is:
\[ v = u + at \]
Where:
- \( v \) = final velocity (what we want to find)
- \( u \) = initial velocity
- \( a \) = acceleration
- \( t \) = time
### Step-by-Step Explanation
1. **Identify the Given Values**:
- Initial velocity (\( u \)) = 10 m/s
- Acceleration (\( a \)) = 2 m/s²
- Time (\( t \)) = 5 seconds
2. **Substitute the Values into the Equation**:
We will substitute the known values into the kinematic equation:
\[
v = 10 \, \text{m/s} + (2 \, \text{m/s}^2 \times 5 \, \text{s})
\]
3. **Calculate the Acceleration Component**:
First, calculate the product of acceleration and time:
\[
2 \, \text{m/s}^2 \times 5 \, \text{s} = 10 \, \text{m/s}
\]
4. **Add the Initial Velocity**:
Now, add this result to the initial velocity:
\[
v = 10 \, \text{m/s} + 10 \, \text{m/s} = 20 \, \text{m/s}
\]
5. **Final Result**:
Therefore, the final velocity after 5 seconds is:
\[
v = 20 \, \text{m/s}
\]
### Conclusion
The correct answer is **B. 20 m/s**.
### Explanation of Other Options
- **Option A (10 m/s)**: This option suggests that the object does not change its velocity, which is incorrect because the object is experiencing a uniform acceleration of 2 m/s².
- **Option C (30 m/s)**: This option incorrectly adds an additional 10 m/s to the final velocity calculation. It seems to misinterpret the acceleration effect over time.
- **Option D (40 m/s)**: This option suggests an even larger increase in velocity, which would imply an acceleration of 6 m/s² over 5 seconds, which is not the case here.
### Common Pitfalls
- **Ignoring the effect of acceleration**: Some students may forget to account for the acceleration when calculating the final velocity.
- **Misapplying the formula**: Ensure that the correct kinematic equation is used and that all units are consistent (e.g., m/s for velocity and m/s² for acceleration).
- **Confusing time and distance**: Remember that time is a separate variable from distance; the question specifically asks for velocity, not distance traveled.
### Revision Summary
- Use the kinematic equation \( v = u + at \) to find final velocity.
- Substitute known values carefully and perform calculations step-by-step.
- Understand the role of acceleration in changing the velocity of an object.
- Double-check calculations to avoid common mistakes.