Finding the Collision Point for Two Walking Persons with Different Accelerations

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two individuals starting from rest and walking towards each other from a distance of 88 meters apart, with different accelerations. Person A accelerates at 0.3 m/s² and Person B at 0.2 m/s². The objective is to determine the point at which they will meet relative to Person A's starting position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to find the total time for each person to cover the distance and consider how to account for their respective accelerations. There is a suggestion to express the distances covered by each person in terms of time and acceleration, and questions arise about how to properly utilize the accelerations in their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various approaches to set up the problem mathematically. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of kinematic equations, but there is no consensus on the specific method to apply.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the two individuals do not cover the full 88 meters individually, as they meet at a point between their starting positions. There is also an emphasis on the need to consider the time it takes for both to reach the meeting point simultaneously.

saac
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Homework Statement


Two people start from rest at 88m apart and walk directly toward each other. Person A has a magnitude of .3m/s^2, while person B has a magnitude of .2m/^2. Relative to person A's starting point, where do the people coincide?


Homework Equations


How to determine collision point?


The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried find the total time it takes for each to cover the 88m. then take those values and switch them between A & B. Otherwise I'm stuck.
 
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saac said:

Homework Statement


Two people start from rest at 88m apart and walk directly toward each other. Person A has a magnitude of .3m/s^2, while person B has a magnitude of .2m/^2. Relative to person A's starting point, where do the people coincide?


Homework Equations


How to determine collision point?


The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried find the total time it takes for each to cover the 88m. then take those values and switch them between A & B. Otherwise I'm stuck.
But each does not cover 88 m. They meet somewhere in between A and B, and arrive there at the same elapsed time.
 
So t1=t2 . Would velocity be calculated for A & B? and then find the displacement for each?
 
It would be easier to write an equation to show how far A moves during t1, and how far B moves during time t1. Note that if A moves x meters during that time, then B moves 88-x meters during the time it takes them to meet.
 
ok makes sense. however, i do not understand how to utilize the accelerations? would the equation look like this: x/.3=88-x/.2?
 
No, use the kinematic equation that relates distance as a function of acceleration and time...
 

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