Question

A mechanic strikes a nail with hammer moving with a velocity of 20 m/s. The
hammer comes to rest in 0.02 seconds after striking the nail. Calculate the
acceleration of the nail.

Answer 1

Answer:

-1000 m/s²

Explanation:

As per the provided information in the given question, we have :

• Initial velocity (u) = 20 m/s
• Final velocity (v) = 0 m/s [As it comes to rest]
• Time taken (t) = 0.02 seconds

We have to calculate,

• Acceleration of the nail (a)

Acceleration is defined as the rate of change in velocity or it is defined as change in velocity with time. Its SI unit is m/s². It is a vector quantity, which means it requires both magnitude and direction.

By using the first equation of motion,

★ v = u + at

• v denotes final velocity
• u denotes initial velocity
• a denotes acceleration
• t denotes time

Substituting values,

→ 0 = 20 + 0.02a

→ 0 - 20 = 0.02a

→ -20 = 0.02a

→ $\sf\dfrac{-20}{0.02}$ = a

→ $\sf\dfrac{-2000}{2}$ = a

→ -1000 = a

∴ Acceleration of the hammer is -1000 m/s².