Finding Distance of Two Runners with Velocity and Acceleration | Help Needed

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance between two runners, A and B, as they approach a flagpole. Runner A starts 6.0 km west of the flagpole, moving east at a velocity of 9.0 km/h, while Runner B begins 5.0 km east of the flagpole, running west at 8.0 km/h. To find the distance when their paths cross, participants suggest formulating equations for each runner based on their initial positions and velocities, solving for time, and then substituting this time back into the equations to determine their distances from the flagpole.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics, including velocity and acceleration
  • Ability to formulate and solve linear equations
  • Familiarity with the concept of relative motion
  • Knowledge of distance-time relationships in physics
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  • Study kinematic equations for motion in one dimension
  • Learn how to set up and solve systems of equations
  • Explore concepts of relative velocity in physics
  • Practice problems involving distance, speed, and time calculations
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding motion dynamics and solving real-world problems involving relative distances and velocities.

MeganH
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Runner A is initially 6.0 km west of a flagpole and is running with a constant velocity of 9.0 km/h due east. Runner B is initially 5.0 km east of the flagpole and is running with a constant velocity of 8.0 km/h due west. What will be the distance of the two runners from the flagpole when their paths cross?
 
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Write an equation for each runner, solve for time, then plug time into one of the equations to get distance. Use the same method for the other problem you posted.
 

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