What is the average acceleration of a car that travels with a speed of 3.5 m/s and accelerates to 5.5 m/s in 4 seconds?

To find the average acceleration of the car, we can use the formula for average acceleration, which is the change in velocity divided by the time taken for that change.

The initial speed (u) of the car is 3.5 m/s, and the final speed (v) is 5.5 m/s. The time (t) taken for this change is 4 seconds.

First, we calculate the change in velocity:

Change in velocity = Final velocity - Initial velocity

Change in velocity = 5.5 m/s - 3.5 m/s

Change in velocity = 2.0 m/s.

Next, we apply the formula for average acceleration:

Average acceleration = Change in velocity / Time

Average acceleration = 2.0 m/s / 4 s

Average acceleration = 0.5 m/s².

This result indicates that the car's velocity increases by an average of 0.5 meters per second every second over the 4-second interval. Therefore, the correct answer is 0.5 m/s², which aligns with the answer provided.