Mathematics

Problem

A particle moves along a straight line so that its acceleration satisfies

a=-0.5x

, where

x

(in meters) is its position and

a

(in meters per second squared) is its acceleration. The particle is released from rest at

x=4\text{ m}

and moves toward the origin. What is its speed when it reaches

x=0\text{ m}

? a)

4\text{ m/s}

2\text{ m/s}

0\text{ m/s}

2\sqrt{2}\text{ m/s}