Police Officer Catches Car After 1.72 Seconds

  • Thread starter Loppyfoot
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In summary, a motorcycle officer pursues a car that ignores a stop sign at a constant speed. The officer accelerates at 3.6 m/s2 and catches up to the car when it is 1.2 km from the intersection. The officer started chasing the car 1.72 s after it passed the stop sign. We are tasked to find the time it took for the officer to catch up and the car's speed. It may be useful to use equations and the search function to solve this problem.
  • #1
Loppyfoot
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Homework Statement


A motorcycle officer hidden at an intersection observes a car driven by an oblivious driver who ignores a stop sign and continues through the intersection at constant speed. The police officer takes off in pursuit 1.72 s after the car has passed the stop sign. She accelerates at 3.6 m/s2 until her speed is 104 km/h, and then continues at this speed until she catches the car. At that instant, the car is 1.2 km from the intersection.

a) How long did it take for the officer to catch up to the car?
b) How fast was the car traveling?
 
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  • #2
You might find the search function useful, this is like the third thread in three days with this question.

Also, it is useful to post some relevant equations, perhaps?
 
  • #3
I am having trouble with the fact that is starts 1.72s behind.
 

1. How can a police officer catch a car after only 1.72 seconds?

The police officer in this scenario is likely using a radar gun to track the speed of the car. This technology allows officers to accurately measure the speed of a moving vehicle by calculating the time it takes for the car to travel a certain distance. In this case, the officer was able to react quickly and successfully catch the car after only 1.72 seconds.

2. Is it possible for a police officer to catch a car that quickly?

Yes, it is possible for a police officer to catch a car in just 1.72 seconds. This is because most modern radar guns are highly accurate and can measure the speed of a vehicle within a fraction of a second. Additionally, police officers are trained to react quickly in emergency situations and have the necessary equipment, such as a police car, to pursue and catch a speeding vehicle.

3. What factors could affect the accuracy of the police officer's speed measurement?

There are several factors that could potentially affect the accuracy of the police officer's speed measurement. These include weather conditions, the positioning of the radar gun, and the condition of the vehicle being tracked. Additionally, human error or technical malfunctions could also impact the accuracy of the speed measurement.

4. Can a police officer's speed measurement be disputed by the driver?

Yes, a driver can dispute a police officer's speed measurement. However, to successfully dispute it, the driver would need to provide evidence that the officer's speed measurement was inaccurate or that there were extenuating circumstances that influenced the reading. This could include challenging the accuracy of the radar gun or providing proof of a mechanical issue with their vehicle.

5. What happens if a driver is caught by a police officer after only 1.72 seconds?

If a driver is caught by a police officer after only 1.72 seconds, they are likely to be issued a speeding ticket. The specific consequences may vary depending on the location and severity of the offense, but typically, the driver will have to pay a fine and may receive points on their driving record. In some cases, the driver may also have to attend a court hearing or complete a defensive driving course.

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