Solve Kinematics Problem: Car & Truck Displacement at Intersection

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a car accelerating from rest and a truck moving at a constant velocity as they approach an intersection. The goal is to determine the displacement of the car when it passes the truck and the time at which this occurs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use a displacement-time graph but struggles with the equation for the car's displacement due to its acceleration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided a formula that may assist in solving the problem, and there is an acknowledgment of the value in not providing direct answers. The discussion reflects a positive engagement with the material.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is seeking guidance without wanting complete solutions, indicating a desire to understand the underlying concepts better.

Washable_Marker
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Hello, thanks for reading =)

Let's just jump into it...
At the instant the light turns green, a car accelerates from rest at a rate of 1.8m/s^2. A truck gets to the intersection by the time the light changes [and therefore doesn't have to stop]. The truck is traveling at a constant velocity of 8.5m/s.

What will be the displacement of the car [assuming the intersection is 0] when it passes the truck, and at what time will this occur?

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I've been trying to solve it by using a displacement-time graph, but obviously the car will have a curved graph, and I can't figure out the equation of it's line. Any tips on how to go about this, as well as tips to solve the question would be great.

Thanks!
 
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you will find this formula useful:
[tex]d = v_i t + 1/2at^2[/tex]
 
Aha! Just what I was looking for, and thanks for not giving me the answer outright, it made it much more rewarding to get the right answer.

Thanks again!
 
Did you get the right answer? And I'm glad you appreciate when people don't just give away the solution. :)
 
Yep, got it. That was all I needed for it to click in my brain.
 

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