Car race riddle (not too hard, not too easy)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a race between two cars, a red car and a blue car, with specified top speeds and a head start for the red car. The scenario raises questions about the time it takes for the blue car to catch up to the red car, considering the conditions of constant speed and immediate acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the physics of the scenario, questioning the assumptions about constant speeds and the implications of the head start. Some express differing views on the complexity of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of the problem, with some participants suggesting it may not be a traditional brain teaser. There is a playful addition of narrative elements that diverge from the original physics question, indicating a shift in focus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may not fit the expected format for a physics discussion, with some expressing concern about the appropriateness of the riddle-like elements introduced later in the thread.

Couperin
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My mum told me this one, it's pretty cool :).

The red car and the blue car are having a race. The red car, which has a top speed of 70mph has a 20 minute head start over the blue car, which has a top speed of 80mph.

Assuming that top speeds are reached the very instant a car starts, and that the top speeds are constant, how long will it take, in minutes, for the blue car to catch up with the red car?
 
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This isn't really a brain teaser.. its a simple physics problem...:rolleyes:
 
Okay I'll add another element. When the blue car finally catches up with the red car, the driver of the blue car looks through the window and notices that the driver of the red car has a dagger through his chest. On the passenger side seat sits a dog wearing a Sherlock Holmes hat, who woofs twice. There is also a small puddle of cool water in the front footwell. How did the driver of the red car die?

Anyway sorry I didn't realize that this wasn't the place for this kind of problem :D.
 
Couperin said:
Okay I'll add another element. When the blue car finally catches up with the red car, the driver of the blue car looks through the window and notices that the driver of the red car has a dagger through his chest. On the passenger side seat sits a dog wearing a Sherlock Holmes hat, who woofs twice. There is also a small puddle of cool water in the front footwell. How did the driver of the red car die?

Lol... :smile:
 

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