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 deceleration formula

Deceleration \( a = \frac{v_f - v_i}{t} \), where \( v_f \) is final velocity, \( v_i \) is initial velocity, \( t \) is time.

Step2: Identify values

\( v_i = 15 \, \text{m/s} \), \( v_f = 0 \, \text{m/s} \), \( t = 5 \, \text{s} \).

Step3: Substitute into formula

\( a = \frac{0 - 15}{5} = \frac{-15}{5} = -3 \, \text{m/s}^2 \). The negative sign indicates deceleration.

Answer:

The average deceleration of the rabbit is \( 3 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) (magnitude, as deceleration is the magnitude of negative acceleration here).