Question

A particle moving in a straight line with uniform acceleration has a velocity 10 cm/sec and 8 seconds later has a velocity 54 cm/sec. What will be the described by the particle during the 10^th second of its motion?

(a) 38.5cm

(b) 37.5cm

(c) 38cm

(d) 39.5cm

I had been asked this question during an interview.

This is a very interesting question from Calculus Application in section Application of Calculus of Mathematics – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) 38.5cm

The best explanation: Let, the particle moving with a uniform acceleration of f cm/sec^2.

By question initial velocity of the particle is u = 10 cm/sec and its velocity after 8 seconds = v = 34 cm/sec.

Thus, using the formula v = u + ft we get

34 = 10 + f*8

Or 8f = 24

Or f = 3

Therefore, the required acceleration of the particle is 3 cm/sec^2.

The space described during the 10th second of its motion is,

= [10 + 1/2(3)(2*10 – 1)]   [using the formula st = ut +1/2(f)(2t – 1)]

= 10 + 28.5

= 38.5cm.