Question

the chart shows the times and accelerations for three drivers.
driver acceleration time
kira 5.2 m/s² 6.9 sec
dustin 8.3 m/s² 3 sec
diego 6.5 m/s² 4.2 sec
which lists them from greatest to lowest change in velocity?
dustin → diego → kira
dustin → kira → diego
kira → dustin → diego
kira → diego → dustin

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the acceleration - velocity formula

The formula for acceleration $a=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$, so $\Delta v = a\times\Delta t$.

Step2: Calculate change in velocity for Kira

$\Delta v_{Kira}=a_{Kira}\times t_{Kira}=5.2\times6.9 = 35.88\ m/s$.

Step3: Calculate change in velocity for Dustin

$\Delta v_{Dustin}=a_{Dustin}\times t_{Dustin}=8.3\times3=24.9\ m/s$.

Step4: Calculate change in velocity for Diego

$\Delta v_{Diego}=a_{Diego}\times t_{Diego}=6.5\times4.2 = 27.3\ m/s$.

Step5: Compare the values

$35.88>27.3 > 24.9$, so $\Delta v_{Kira}>\Delta v_{Diego}>\Delta v_{Dustin}$.

Answer:

Kira → Diego → Dustin