Chasing the Speeder: Calculating Time, Distance & Speed

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a police car and a speeder, specifically calculating the time, distance, and speed required for the police car to catch the speeder traveling at 28 m/s. The police car accelerates at 3.6 m/s². Participants emphasize the need to use kinematic equations that incorporate initial velocities, acceleration, and time to determine the solution. The key kinematic equation relevant to this problem is not explicitly stated but is essential for finding the time and distance to catch the speeder.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations in physics
  • Knowledge of initial velocity and acceleration concepts
  • Ability to solve for variables in equations
  • Familiarity with basic algebra for rearranging equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the kinematic equations, particularly those relating distance, velocity, and acceleration
  • Learn how to derive time from kinematic equations
  • Practice solving similar physics problems involving motion and acceleration
  • Explore graphical representations of motion to visualize acceleration and distance
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying introductory physics, particularly those learning about motion, acceleration, and kinematic equations. It is also useful for educators seeking to clarify concepts related to distance and speed calculations.

ash_gurlie10
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A police car stopped at a set of lights has a speeder pass it at 28 m/s. If the police car can accelerate at 3.6m/s/s (m/s^2),

a)how long does it take to catch the speeder?

b) How far would the police car have to go before it catches the speeder?

c) what would its speed be when it caught up with the car?

Sorry... for some reason I'm so confused at this... and I have no idea where to start... plus the answers are unreliable, so I have no idea if my attempts are on the right track or not. Please help:eek:
 
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Welcome to PF Ash,

You need to know at what time the cars have traveled the same distance, you are given their initial velocities and their acceleration, therefore, you need a kinematic equation with distance, inital velocities, acceleration and time. Can you think of one?

Regards,
~Hoot

Note to mods: please move this to Introductory Physics
 
I have a bunch of equations from which to use, but I don't understand how to start part a. I've tried a million things, and nothing is close to the "right" answer...
 
There is only one kinematic equation which satisfies the conditions I posted above. Which is it?

~Hoot
 
I dont' know... I don't know where to start?
 
start by writing down what you have and what you need to know.

then use your kinematics equations to solve for the variables you need to know.

hope this helps. try posting what you have done so far, so that people can see where you need help.
 

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