J.H.

Cerilles State College

Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur
Physics for Engineers
Problem Set 1

General Instructions:
1. Solve the following problems.
2. Write your solutions and answers on a short bond paper.
3. Box only your final answers.
4. Use black or blue inks only.

Textbook: University Physics (14th Ed.) by Young & Freedman

Due date: February 27, 2023

Problem 1. The position of the front bumper of a test car under microprocessor control is given by 𝑥 =
2.17 + 4.80𝑡 2 − 0.100𝑡 6 . (a) Find the average velocity and average acceleration between time 𝑡1 =
2.0 s and 𝑡2 = 4.0 s. (b) Find its position and acceleration at the instants when the car has zero
velocity.

Problem 2. In the fastest measured tennis serve, the ball left the racquet at 73.41 m/s. A served tennis
ball is typically in contact with the racquet for 29.0 ms and starts from rest. Assume constant
acceleration. (a) What was the ball’s acceleration during this serve? (b) How far did the ball travel
during the serve?

Problem 3. A small rock is thrown vertically upward with a speed of 16.0 m/s from the edge of the roof
of a 36.0-m-tall building. The rock doesn’t hit the building on its way back down and lands on the street
below. Ignore air resistance. (a) What is the speed of the rock just before it hits the street? (b) How
much time elapses from when the rock is thrown until it hits the street?