When striking, the pike, a predatory fish, can accelerate from rest to a speed of 4.4 m/s in 0.12 s. What is the acceleration of the pike during this strike?

• A. 36.67 m/s²
• B. 18.33 m/s²
• C. 52.8 m/s²
• D. 44.0 m/s²

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the known values from the problem: initial velocity (v₀) is 0 m/s (since the pike starts from rest), final velocity (v) is 4.4 m/s, and the time (t) taken to reach this speed is 0.12 s.
2. Recall the formula for acceleration (a) when you know the initial velocity, final velocity, and time: a = (v - v₀) / t.
3. Substitute the known values into the formula: a = (4.4 m/s - 0 m/s) / 0.12 s.
4. Simplify the expression by performing the subtraction in the numerator: a = 4.4 m/s / 0.12 s.
5. Complete the division to find the acceleration, ensuring the units are consistent, resulting in the acceleration value in m/s².