Find acceleration from distance and time, with a twist

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of two drag racers based on their race times and distances. The first racer covers the last 40 meters of a 400-meter race in 0.20 seconds, allowing for the use of kinematic equations to determine his acceleration. The second racer finishes 0.05 seconds later, prompting the need to calculate his acceleration as well. Key kinematic equations provided include Δx = v₁ Δt + ½ a (Δt)² and v₂ = v₁ + a Δt, which are essential for solving the problem.

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Homework Statement


A drag racer starts from rest and covers the last 40 meters of a 400 meter race in 0.20 seconds.
a) What was his acceleration
b) He beat another driver by 0.05 seconds, what was the second drivers acceleration?
c) How far was the first driver ahead when he crossed the finish line?

Acceleration is constant for both drag racers.

Homework Equations



All kinematics equations can be used.

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to create an equation using variables but this proved tricky. I am unsure of where to start and how to proceed. Also we were given a hint: t2=t1-0.20

__________t1____________
---------------------------
_________t2______/(40 m)/
 
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Conceptually this is a simple problem - it just require the careful application of some basic facts about one-dimensional motion and knowledge of the basic kinematics formulas. It's probably easiest to work backwards.

You'll need the following formulas:

$$Δx = v_{1} Δt + \frac{1}{2} a (Δt)^{2}$$
$$v_{2} = v_{1} + a Δt$$
 

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