To determine how long it takes for an object to decrease its speed by a certain amount, we can use the equation of motion:
vf=vi+atv_f = v_i + atvf=vi+at
where:
- vfv_fvf is the final velocity
- viv_ivi is the initial velocity
- aaa is the acceleration
- ttt is the time
In this case, the initial velocity is not given, but we can assume that the object is initially moving with a positive velocity. Since the acceleration is negative (-4 m/s²), it indicates that the object is slowing down.
Let's solve for the time it takes for the object to decrease its speed by 60 m/s:
Given: vf=0v_f = 0vf=0 m/s (final velocity, since the object comes to rest) viv_ivi = initial velocity (unknown) a=−4a = -4a=−4 m/s² (acceleration) Δv=vf−vi=−60Delta v = v_f - v_i = -60Δv=vf−vi=−60 m/s (change in velocity)
Substituting the values into the equation of motion, we have:
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