AP Physics 1 kinematics problem

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a kinematics problem involving a passenger train and a freight train. The passenger train, traveling at 30 m/s, decelerates at 1 m/s² while the freight train moves at a constant speed of 10 m/s, starting 200 meters ahead. The calculations reveal that the passenger train travels 400 meters before a collision occurs, despite confusion regarding the use of the equation v² = 2a(d - d₀) + v₀², particularly concerning the freight train's constant speed. The correct interpretation of the equations and the scenario is crucial for solving the problem accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically v² = 2a(d - d₀) + v₀²
  • Knowledge of constant acceleration and deceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with relative motion in physics
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of constant acceleration in kinematics problems
  • Learn about relative velocity and its application in collision scenarios
  • Explore advanced kinematic equations and their derivations
  • Practice solving real-world physics problems involving multiple moving objects
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering kinematics, particularly in scenarios involving multiple objects in motion and collision analysis.

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Homework Statement


The engineer of a passenger train rounding a curve at 30m/s sights a slow-moving freight train 200m ahead on the same track traveling in the same direction with a constant velocity of 10m/s. The engineer of the passenger train immediately applies the brakes, causing a constant deceleration of 1m/s2, while the freight train continues on with a constant speed.

What distance will the passenger train travel before the collision takes place?
Passenger train
Do= 0m
D= ?
Vo= 30 m/s
V = 0
a = -1m/s^2

Freight train
Do= 200m
D= ?
Vo= 10 m/s
V = 0
a = 0m/s^2

Homework Equations


v2= 2(a)(d-do )+ vo2

3. The Attempt at a Solution

setting the equation equal to each other.
2(-1)(d-0)+302-0= 2(0)(d-200)+100-0
-2d+900=100
-2d=-800
d=400[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
it says in the problem statement that the freight train moves at a constant speed. So how is it possible that the freight train ends up with a speed ##v = 0##?
if the train moves at constant speed, is ##v^2 = a(d - d_0) + v_0^2## really a relevant equation?
 

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