Calculating Time for Car B to Overtake Car A

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time it takes for Car B to overtake Car A, given that Car A is 25 meters ahead and both cars have the same initial velocity, with Car B having a constant positive acceleration. To determine the overtaking time, one must utilize kinematic equations for both vehicles and set their positions equal, resulting in the equation P_B - P_A = 0. This approach confirms that the time to overtake can be derived from the kinematic equations, specifically by solving for the time variable when Car B travels the 25 meters from its initial position.

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APett
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Say we have two cars, Car A and Car B. Car A is 25 meters ahead and has a constant velocity. Car B has the exact same velocity at the moment of observation, but also has a constant positive acceleration.

If I want to calculate how long it takes for Car B to overtake Car A, wouldn't it be the same as calculating how long it takes car B to go 25 meters from standing still?

I know how to calculate it if this is correct, I just need to know if it is.
 
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I think you can answer this one for yourself. Write the kinematic equations for both cars and and subtract them (if you want their positions equal, you want ##P_B - P_A = 0##. Set it equal to zero and see what happens.
 

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