Solve Physics Problem: Turtle & Rabbit Race Over 1 km

In summary, the problem involves a turtle and a rabbit competing over a distance of 1 km. The rabbit has a constant speed of 8 m/s while the turtle's speed is 0.2 m/s. At 0.8 km, the rabbit stops to tease the turtle before resuming the race. To determine how close the rabbit can let the turtle approach before resuming the race, one would need to calculate the amount of time it takes for the rabbit to go the first 0.8 km, figure out how far the turtle traveled in that time, and then determine the time it takes for the rabbit to go the last 0.2 km. Working backwards from the finish line, the distance the turtle would have
  • #1
XodoX
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Hey guys, I really don't know how approach this easy physics problem.

You have a turtle and a rabbit. Constant speed of turtle is 0.2m/s of the rabbit 8 m/s. They both compete over a distance of 1 km. At 0.8 km the rabbit stops to teaste the turtle. How close to the goal can the rabbit let the turtle approach before resuming the race, which the turtle wins in a photo finish?
Sounds easy, but I really do not know how to approach this! Maybe displacement?

Thank you
 
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  • #2
I would approach this problem in the following steps:

1) Figure out how long it takes the rabbit to go the first .8 km when he sits and waits.

2) Figure out how far the turtle went in this time. (Set that value aside for a bit.)

3) Figure out how long it will take the rabbit to go the last .2 km.

4) Work backwards from the finish line and figure out how far away from the finish line the turtle would have to be to get to to the finish line just as the rabbit gets to it.

5) From the answer to (2) and this last answer figure out how far the turtle has to go while the rabbit is sitting and how long it will take the turtle to travel that distance. That will tell you how long the rabbit can sit.

I'm sure there are other ways to approach this problem, but this should do it.
 
  • #3
for your question. This problem can be solved using the concept of displacement and the equation of motion, specifically the equation for constant acceleration. First, we need to determine the time it takes for the rabbit to reach 0.8 km, which can be calculated using the equation d = v*t, where d is the distance, v is the velocity, and t is the time. Plugging in the values, we get t = 0.8 km / 8 m/s = 100 seconds.

Next, we need to determine the distance the turtle travels during this time. Since we know the turtle's constant speed, we can use the same equation to calculate the distance, which is d = v*t = 0.2 m/s * 100 seconds = 20 meters.

Therefore, when the rabbit resumes the race after teasing the turtle, it only needs to run 20 meters to reach the finish line. However, since the turtle is also moving during this time, we need to calculate the distance it covers as well. Using the same equation, we get d = v*t = 0.2 m/s * 100 seconds = 20 meters.

This means that the turtle and rabbit will reach the finish line at the same time, resulting in a photo finish. Therefore, the rabbit can let the turtle approach as close as 20 meters before resuming the race and still win in a photo finish.

I hope this helps you understand how to approach this problem. Remember to always use the appropriate equations and units when solving physics problems. Good luck!
 

1. How long does it take for the turtle and rabbit to finish the race?

The time it takes for the turtle and rabbit to finish the race depends on their speed and the distance they are racing. However, we can use the formula d = rt (distance = rate x time) to calculate the time it would take for both animals to cover 1 km.

2. Who wins the race, the turtle or the rabbit?

The winner of the race depends on their respective speeds. If the rabbit is faster, it will win the race. However, if the turtle is able to maintain a steady pace, it may eventually catch up and win the race due to its consistency.

3. What factors affect the outcome of the race?

The outcome of the race can be affected by various factors such as the speed of the animals, their consistency in maintaining that speed, any obstacles on the race track, and external factors like weather conditions.

4. Can the race result be predicted accurately?

The race result can be predicted based on the speed and consistency of the animals, but it is not always accurate. External factors and unexpected events can also affect the outcome of the race.

5. How can physics concepts be applied to this race?

Physics concepts such as distance, speed, and time can be applied to this race to calculate the outcome. Additionally, concepts like acceleration and forces can also be used to understand the movements and strategies of the animals during the race.

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