Calculating Acceleration: Bike Turnaround Physics Problem

Acceleration is defined as the change in velocity divided by the time taken.

In this case, the change in velocity is the difference between the final velocity (5 m/s south) and the initial velocity (3 m/s north). The final velocity is considered negative because it is southwards. The change in velocity is therefore:

Change in velocity = final velocity - initial velocity = -5 m/s - 3 m/s = -8 m/s

The time taken to change velocity is given as 6 seconds.

Acceleration = change in velocity / time taken = (-8 m/s) / (6 s) = -1.33 m/sﾲ

Therefore, the acceleration is -1.33 m/sﾲ.