Kinematics: Basic Homework Question on Cop and Car

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a traffic officer on a bike attempting to catch up with a private car that is traveling at a constant speed. The officer starts his motion 3 seconds after the car and accelerates until reaching a maximum speed. The discussion focuses on calculating the time and distance required for the officer to catch up with the car, utilizing kinematics principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial conditions of the problem, including the distance the car is ahead when the officer starts accelerating. There is uncertainty about whether the officer could catch the car before reaching maximum velocity. Questions arise regarding the correct application of kinematic equations and the implications of different speeds.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with participants exploring various approaches to the problem. Some have attempted calculations and shared their reasoning, while others have pointed out potential errors in previous calculations. There is a recognition of the need to clarify initial conditions and ensure correct unit conversions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of converting speeds from km/h to m/s for accurate calculations. There is also mention of the officer's acceleration and maximum speed, which are critical to understanding the dynamics of the problem.

  • #31
Oh yea, I remember that from a certain calculus teacher.

The derivative of distance over time is velocity, the derivative of velocity over time is acceleration, and the derivative of acceleration over time is jerk!
 
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  • #32
I just did the problem myself and it took me about 20 mins...and that's only part a

This is NOT a basic kinematics problem...

That or my brain is getting rusty from pure math lol.
 
  • #33
Well it's pretty linear (without calculus - did u try it with calculus?), a little long but not too long and/or difficult IMO.
 
  • #34
Femme_physics said:
Oh yea, I remember that from a certain calculus teacher.

The derivative of distance over time is velocity, the derivative of velocity over time is acceleration, and the derivative of acceleration over time is jerk!

A certain calculus teacher?
I remember "jerk" from XKCD! :wink:
 
  • #35
Honestly it's even more difficult to use calculus to this problem
 

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