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TyErd
Nov14-09, 07:17 PM
A cyclist, Anna is travelling at a constant speed of 12m/s when she passes a stationary bus. The bus starts moving just as Anna passes, and it accelerates uniformaly at 1.5m/s.

How long does the bus take to catch Anna??

rl.bhat
Nov14-09, 07:22 PM
Write down the relevant equations. Show your attempts.

TyErd
Nov14-09, 07:25 PM
alright this is what i did but i didnt get the correct answer.

equation formed
12t=0.5*8*12 + 1.5t(t-8)

simplify it down and i got 1.5t^2-12t-48=0, t>0 is 10.9

answer is suppose to be 16

rl.bhat
Nov14-09, 07:31 PM
Bus starts from rest. So in time t the distance moved by the bus is 1/2*a*t^2. During that time distance moved by the cyclist is v*t. If the meet after this time, these distances must be equal.

TyErd
Nov14-09, 07:37 PM
is a the acceleration? and why is it t^2???

if you can, can you show me your full working out

rl.bhat
Nov14-09, 09:41 PM
Yes. a is the acceleration. What is the kinematic equation which contains initial velocity, acceleration, time and displacement? And unit of acceleration is m/s^2

TyErd
Nov14-09, 09:44 PM
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....thnx i get it now. Im suppose to use x=ut+1/at^2 formula

rl.bhat
Nov14-09, 10:19 PM
Yes.