An acceleration/distance/velocity question.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a car accelerating at 6.0 m/s² and a truck moving at a constant velocity of 21 m/s. To determine how far the car travels before overtaking the truck, users are advised to set up two distance equations: one for the car and one for the truck. The car's distance can be calculated using the equation d = (vi)(t) + 1/2(a)(t)², while the truck's distance is d = vt. The solution requires equating these distances to find the time and subsequently the speed of the car at the moment of overtaking.

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  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically d = (vi)(t) + 1/2(a)(t)²
  • Knowledge of constant acceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with distance and velocity calculations
  • Ability to solve algebraic equations
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  • Study the derivation and application of kinematic equations in physics
  • Learn how to set up and solve systems of equations
  • Explore real-world applications of constant acceleration scenarios
  • Investigate graphical representations of motion (position vs. time graphs)
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Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in solving motion-related problems involving acceleration and velocity.

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Homework Statement



As a traffic light turns green, a waiting car starts with a constant acceleration of 6.0 m/s^2. At the instant the car begins to accelerate, a truck with a constant velocity of 21 m/s passes in the next lane.

A)How far will the car travel before it overtakes the truck?

B)How fast will the car be traveling when it overtakes the truck?



Homework Equations



i have all of the following formulas:
vf = vi+at
d = (vf+vi)/2 x t
d = (vi)(t) + 1/2(a)(t)^2
vf^2 = vi^2 + 2(a)(d)


The Attempt at a Solution



i'm thinking i have to set a distance equation equal to the other one for A. I'm just not sure how to start the problem or anything. and for B, do i use what i'll get for distance and plug it into another equation?
 
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(a) Write two separate distance equations, one for the car and one for the truck. What can you say about these two distances when the car reaches the truck?
 

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