Question

a rabbit is running away from a predator. when the coast is clear, the rabbit slows down from 15 m/s to 0 m/s in 5 seconds. what is the rabbit’s average deceleration?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the acceleration formula

The formula for acceleration (or deceleration, which is negative acceleration) is \( a=\frac{v_f - v_i}{t} \), where \( v_f \) is the final velocity, \( v_i \) is the initial velocity, and \( t \) is the time.

Step2: Identify the given values

Here, \( v_i = 15\space m/s \), \( v_f = 0\space m/s \), and \( t = 5\space s \).

Step3: Substitute the values into the formula

Substitute the values into the formula: \( a=\frac{0 - 15}{5} \).

Step4: Calculate the result

First, calculate the numerator: \( 0 - 15=- 15 \). Then divide by the denominator: \( \frac{-15}{5}=-3\space m/s^2 \). The negative sign indicates deceleration.

Answer:

The rabbit's average deceleration is \( 3\space m/s^2 \) (or \( - 3\space m/s^2 \) for acceleration, but deceleration magnitude is \( 3\space m/s^2 \)).