To solve this problem, we can use the equations of motion from classical mechanics. Specifically, we can use the equation:
x = x₀ + v₀t + (1/2)at²
where:
- x is the position at time t
- x₀ is the initial position
- v₀ is the initial velocity
- a is the acceleration
- t is the time
Given information:
- Initial velocity (v₀) = 15 m/s towards the right
- Acceleration (a) = 4 m/s² towards the right
- Initial position (x₀) = 5 m towards the right
- Time (t) = 2 seconds
Let's calculate the position (x) at t=2 seconds:
x = x₀ + v₀t + (1/2)at² = 5 m + (15 m/s)(2 s) + (1/2)(4 m/s²)(2 s)² = 5 m + 30 m + (1/2)(4 m/s²)(4 s²) = 5 m + 30 m + 8 m = 43 m
Therefore, the cyclist's position at t=2 seconds will be 43 meters towards the right.