A car company wants to ensure its newest model can stop in less than 450 ft when traveling at 60 mph. If we assume constant deceleration, find the value of acceleration (in ft/sec2) that accomplishes this.

The value of acceleration that accomplishes this is 8.61 ft/s² .

Explanation:

Given;

maximum distance to be traveled by the car when the brake is applied, d = 450 ft

initial velocity of the car, u = 60 mph = (1.467 x 60) = 88.02 ft/s

final velocity of the car when it stops, v = 0

Apply the following kinematic equation to solve for the deceleration of the car.

v² = u² + 2as

0 = 88.02² + (2 x 450)a

-900a = 7747.5204

a = -7747.5204 / 900

a = -8.61 ft/s²

|a| = 8.61 ft/s²

Therefore, the value of acceleration that accomplishes this is 8.61 ft/s² .