Solved: Acceleration Problem for Truck and Car

In summary, the conversation discusses the problem of maintaining a constant speed to save fuel. It presents a scenario where a truck traveling at 85.0 km/hr approaches a car stopped at a red light. The car then accelerates at 3.60 m/s2 to a final speed of 88.0 km/hr. The conversation involves calculating how close the truck comes to the car assuming it does not slow down, and also how long it takes for the car to accelerate to the same velocity as the truck. The solution is found to be approximately 70 meters, with the truck and car traveling a total distance of 154.6 meters.
  • #1
am08
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[SOLVED] Acceleration problem

To save fuel, some truck drivers try to maintain a constant speed when possible. A truck traveling at 85.0 km/hr approaches a car stopped at the red light. When the truck is 84.6 meters from the car the light turns green and the car immediately begins to accelerate at 3.60 m/s2 to a final speed of 88.0 km/hr. How close does the truck come to the car assuming the truck does not slow down?

First off I converted 85km/hr to m/s ... Truck is traveling ~23.6m/s

Then I calculated that it would take the Truck ~3.58 s to reach the stopped car (84.5/23.6=3.58)

Now the truck is closest to the car when their velocities are equal to each other.. but I don't know where to go from there.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
How long will it take for the car to accelerate to the velocity of the truck?
 
  • #3
~6.55 s
 
  • #4
So how far does the truck and car travel in that time?
 
  • #5
I got it. Truck and car travel ~154.6m. 154.6-84.5 = ~70

Car: 154.6-70= ~ 84.6m from each other

Thanks
 

1. What is the difference between acceleration and speed?

Acceleration is the rate of change of an object's velocity over time, while speed is the measure of how fast an object is moving at a given time.

2. How is acceleration calculated?

Acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. The formula for acceleration is a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

3. How does the acceleration of a car or truck affect its performance?

The acceleration of a car or truck affects its performance by determining how quickly it can reach a certain speed. A higher acceleration means the vehicle can reach a desired speed faster, while a lower acceleration means it will take longer to reach that speed.

4. What are some factors that can affect acceleration?

Some factors that can affect acceleration include the force applied to the object, the mass of the object, and any external forces such as friction or air resistance.

5. How can acceleration be improved for a car or truck?

To improve acceleration for a car or truck, the engine power can be increased, the weight of the vehicle can be reduced, and aerodynamic features can be added to reduce air resistance. Additionally, proper maintenance and tuning of the vehicle can also improve its acceleration.

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