Mechanics: 1-Dimensional Kinematics

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1-Dimensional Kinematics: Audio Guided Solution

Problem Set K17, Question 1:

A biker speeds up to 32.4 m/s from rest in 6.48 seconds. The biker maintains this speed for 7.01 seconds before coasting to a stop in 6.00 seconds. What was the biker's average speed (in m/s) for the trip?

Audio Guided Solution

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Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...

...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
...identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner, often times recording them on the diagram itself. They equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantites (e.g., v_o = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; v_f = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.).
...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations and be heavily dependent upon an understanding of physics principles.
...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

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