Finding the Distance Between Moving Animals with Constant Acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the initial distance between a cheetah and an antelope, both moving with constant acceleration. The cheetah reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h and the antelope 65 km/h, both achieving these speeds in 4 seconds. The correct initial distance, as confirmed by the participants, is 126 meters, derived using the equations of motion: s = ut + 1/2at² and s = 1/2(u + v)t. Participants provided detailed calculations to arrive at this conclusion, ensuring the accuracy of the final result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematics and equations of motion
  • Familiarity with constant acceleration concepts
  • Ability to perform algebraic manipulations
  • Knowledge of unit conversions (e.g., km/h to m/s)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations of motion in detail, focusing on s = ut + 1/2at²
  • Learn how to convert speeds from km/h to m/s for accurate calculations
  • Explore problems involving relative motion and constant acceleration
  • Practice solving kinematics problems with varying initial conditions
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of motion under constant acceleration.

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1. Homework Statement

A cheetah is estimated to be able to run at a maximum speed of [tex]100km.h^1[/tex] whilst and antelope can run at a maximum speed of [tex]65km.h^1[/tex]. A cheetah at rest sees an antelope at rest and starts running towards it. The antelope immediately starts running away. Both cheetah and antelope are assumed to move with constant acceleration and reach their maximum speeds in 4 seconds. Assuming that both run along the same straight line and that the cheetah catches the antelope in 15 seconds, find the distance between the animals when they first started moving.


2. Equations I have been given
[tex]v=u+at[/tex]
[tex]s=ut+1/2at^2[/tex]
[tex]v^2=u^2+2as[/tex]
[tex]s=1/2(u+v)t[/tex]

I have been staring at this for a good hour now and am yet to come up with the answer which I know to be 126m. How do i find this value using those equations and the data given?


here is what i have gotten so far but the final answer is not 126m which i know to be correct, any ideas?


cheetah-[tex]v=250/9[/tex][tex]u=0[/tex] [tex]t=4[/tex] [tex]a=?[/tex]

[tex]250/9 =4a[/tex]
[tex](250/9)/4=125/18[/tex]
[tex]125/18=a[/tex]

antelope-[tex]v=325/18[/tex] [tex]u=0[/tex] [tex]t=4[/tex] [tex]a=?[/tex]

[tex](325/18)/4=a[/tex]
[tex]325/72=a[/tex]

cheetah displacement -

first 4 secs
[tex]s=ut+1/2at^2[/tex]
[tex]s=0x4+1/2x125/18x4^2[/tex]
[tex]s=500/9[/tex]

final 11 secs
[tex]s=1/2(u+v)t[/tex]
[tex]1/2(0+250/9)11[/tex]
[tex]s=1375/9[/tex]

total S = [tex]625/3[/tex]


antelope displacement -

first 4 secs
[tex]s=ut+1/2at^2[/tex]
[tex]s=0x4+1/2x325/72x4^2[/tex]
[tex]s=325/9[/tex]

final 11 secs
[tex]s=1/2(u+v)t[/tex]
[tex]1/2(0+325/18)11[/tex]
[tex]s=3575/36[/tex]

total S = [tex]1625/12[/tex]

[tex]s=(625/3)-(1625/12)=875/12[/tex]

Does that look correct? According to the answer i know to be correct (its on the back of the assignment paper) it is wrong :s

Thanks again for this!
 
Last edited:
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3. The Attempt at a Solutioncheetah-v=250/9u=0 t=4 a=?250/9 =4a(250/9)/4=125/18125/18=aantelope-v=325/18 u=0 t=4 a=?(325/18)/4=a325/72=acheetah displacement -first 4 secss=ut+1/2at^2s=0x4+1/2x125/18x4^2s=500/9final 11 secss=1/2(u+v)t1/2(0+250/9)11s=1375/9total S = 1875/9antelope displacement -first 4 secss=ut+1/2at^2s=0x4+1/2x325/72x4^2s=325/9final 11 secss=1/2(u+v)t1/2(0+325/18)11s=3575/36total S = 3900/36s=(1875/9)-(3900/36)=126m
 

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