Calculating Distance with Motorcycle Patrolman and Car

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a motorcycle patrolman and a car, focusing on calculating the distance at which the patrolman overtakes the car. The problem includes aspects of constant acceleration and uniform motion, requiring the application of kinematic equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • A motorcycle patrolman starts from rest and accelerates at 6.4 m/s² until reaching a maximum speed of 147 km/h.
  • A car travels at a constant speed of 124 km/h and passes point A 5 seconds before the patrolman starts moving.
  • One participant suggests using standard constant acceleration equations, noting that the time variable for the car should be adjusted to account for the 5-second head start.
  • Another participant attempts to apply the kinematic equations but expresses uncertainty about the next steps after calculating the time taken for the motorcycle to reach its maximum speed.
  • There is a request for clarification on how to translate the problem statement into equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the approach to solving the problem, and there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the application of equations and the next steps in the calculation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps, particularly in translating the problem into equations and determining the correct time variables for each vehicle.

varsitymsb5
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Please help,

A motorcycle patrolman starts from rest at A 5 seconds after a car, speeding at the constant rate of 124 km/h, passes point A. If the patrolman accelerates at the rate of 6.4 m/s2 until he reaches his maximum permissible speed of 147 km/h, which he maintains, calculate the distance s from point A to the point at which he overtakes the car.

Thanks!
 
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welcome to pf!

hi varsitymsb5! welcome to pf! :wink:

use the standard constant acceleration equations for each vehicle (you'll need t in one to be t+5 in the other) …

show us what you get! :smile:​
 
v=vnot+at
147/3.6=6.4t
t=6.38s
s(car)=124/3.6t'
s(moto)=147/3.6(t'-5)

I'm stuck and not sure what to do next.
 
sorry, I'm not following this at all :confused:

rewrite the words of the question into equations
 

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