A bus moving at a speed of 24 m/s begins to slow at a rate of 3 m/s each second. How far does it go before stopping?

• Initial velocity (u) = 24 m/s

• Final velocity (v) = 0 m/s (since the bus stops)

• Acceleration (a) = −3 m/s² (negative because it is deceleration)

To find the distance (s), we use the third equation of motion:

v² = u² + 2as

Substituting the values:

0² = (24)² + 2 × (−3) × s
0 = 576 − 6s

Solving for s:

6s = 576
s = 96 m

This means the bus travels a distance of 96 meters from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete halt.

Information Booster:

• Retardation is defined as negative acceleration; it occurs when the velocity of an object decreases with time.

• The three equations of motion (v = u + at, s = ut + 1/2 at², and v² = u² + 2as) are applicable only when acceleration is constant.

• In a velocity–time graph, the area under the curve represents the total displacement or distance travelled by the object.