Deceleration (Driving a Car-Help)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving deceleration while driving a car. The scenario includes a driver reacting to a deer on the road, requiring calculations related to stopping distance and maximum speed to avoid a collision.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the equation for distance under constant acceleration but questions the correctness of their approach after receiving feedback. Some participants suggest alternative equations and clarify the implications of reaction time on stopping distance.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on the equations to use. There is an acknowledgment of misunderstandings regarding the stopping process and the role of reaction time, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's confusion regarding the application of equations and the interpretation of variables. The discussion also highlights the importance of considering reaction time in the calculations.

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Deceleration (Driving a Car--Help)

You're driving down the highway late one night at 20m/s when a deer steps onto the road 35m in front of you. Your reaction time before stepping on the brakes is .5s, and the maximum deceleration of your car is 10m/s.

A. How much distance is between you and the deer when you come to a stop?
B. What is the maximum speed you could have and still not hit the deer?

So I don't think I started the problem correctly...
I used the equation d=v0*t+1/2a*t^2
so then d=20*.5-1/2*10*.5^2
d=8.75

so then I subtracted 8.75m from 35m and got 26.25m

It was wrong, then I thought 8.75 was it but that was wrong so I don't know what I did wrong. Could someone tell what I did wrong. I think it might of been the equation so I look for a problem like that in my book but couldn't find anything. Please someone help. Just the equation don't ruin the fun :redface:
 
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It does not take .5 seconds for the car to stop. You drive for another .5 seconds (or 10m) until you begin to stop. Since you know the speed and deceleration of the car, now use another equation: [tex]v_f^2 - v_i^2 =2 a d[/tex].
 
d=distance right? but then
vf-vi=2ad
0-20=2*-10*d
-20/-20=1=d
so d doesn't have any sign so it doesn't make since...
 
sorry being an idiot thank you it work just fine
 

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