Understanding the Concepts
* Acceleration: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. It tells us how quickly the spaceship's speed and direction are changing.
* Velocity: Velocity includes both speed (how fast something is moving) and direction.
* Formula: Acceleration (a) = (Change in Velocity (Δv)) / (Time (Δt))
Solving the Problem
1. Change in Velocity (Δv):
* The spaceship starts at 0 m/s.
* It reaches a final velocity of 60 m/s (north).
* Therefore, Δv = 60 m/s - 0 m/s = 60 m/s
2. Time (Δt): The time taken is 3 seconds.
3. Acceleration (a):
* a = Δv / Δt
* a = 60 m/s / 3 s
* a = 20 m/s²
Answer: The acceleration of the spaceship is 20 m/s² (north). The "north" indicates the direction of the acceleration, as the spaceship is accelerating in a northerly direction.
