A car moving on a straight road accelerates from a speed of 4.1 m/s to a speed of 6.9 m/s in 5.0 s. What was its average acceleration?

To determine the car's average acceleration, we use the formula:

Average Acceleration (a) = (Final Velocity (v_f) - Initial Velocity (v_i)) / Time Interval (Δt)

Given:

• Initial Velocity (v_i) = 4.1 m/s
• Final Velocity (v_f) = 6.9 m/s
• Time Interval (Δt) = 5.0 s

Calculating:

• Change in Velocity (Δv) = 6.9 m/s - 4.1 m/s = 2.8 m/s
• Average Acceleration (a) = 2.8 m/s ÷ 5.0 s = 0.56 m/s²

Therefore, the car's average acceleration is 0.56 m/s².

The correct option is a) 0.56 m/s².

This calculation aligns with the standard formula for average acceleration, which is the change in velocity divided by the time interval over which the change occurs.