Homework question

1. Sep 4, 2010

aggieboy

an arrow is fired with a speed of 20.0m/s at at block of styrofoam resting on a smooth surface. The arrow penetrates a certain distance into the block before coming to rest relative to it. during this process the arrow's deceleration has a magnitude of 1550m/s2 and the block's acceleration has a magnitude of 450m/s2. How long does it take for the arrow to stop moving with respect to the block?

2. Relevant equations
v=vintial + acceleration(t) solve for time

3. The attempt at a solution

i've used this equation but can't figure out how to get time without the positioning of the block from where the arrow was fired.

2. Sep 4, 2010

ehild

The arrow has constant velocity during its flight so you do not need the position of the block. After the arrow touches the block, its velocity decreases according the formula for v=Vinitial +acceleration * time, (the acceleration is a negative number here) and the block accelerates according to the same formula.
At some time instant the arrow is in rest with respect to the block. That means that the velocity of the block equals to the velocity of the arrow:

Vi(arrow) + a(arrow)t = Vi(block)+a(block)t.

Plug in the data and solve for t.

ehild

3. Sep 4, 2010

aggieboy

thanks! it worked out fine. I guess i was doing some wrong algebra before. Thanks for fast response.