Question

An elevator is moving upward at 1.15m/s when it experiences an acceleration of 0.31m/s^2 downward, over a distance of 0.62m. What will be its final velocity?

Answer 1

The final velocity will be

$$v_f=\sqrt{v_i^2+2ad}=0.97\text{ m/s}.$$

Keep in mind that since the initial velocity and acceleration are in positive directions, we must substitute $a=-0.31\text{ m/s}^2.$