Kinematics Collision Question: Find Minimum Separation and Sketch

  • Thread starter P-Illiterate
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Collison
In summary, an engineer of a passenger train traveling at 84 m/s spots a freight train 480 meters ahead on the same track, traveling in the same direction at a constant velocity of 60 m/s. The engineer applies the brakes, causing the passenger train to decelerate at a constant rate of 4 m/s2 while the freight train maintains its speed. The question is whether the passenger train will collide with the freight train, and if not, what will be the minimum separation between the trains and when will this occur. The solution to this problem involves using the equation Xf-Xi = Vit + 1/2at2 and checking if b2-4ac>0 to determine if there will be a collision.
  • #1
P-Illiterate
28
0
Kinematics Collison question

Homework Statement


The engineer of a passenger train traveling at 84 m/s sights a freight train whose caboose is 480 meter ahead on the same track. The freight train is traveling in the same direction as the passenger train with a constant velocity of 60 m/s. The engineering of the passenger train immediately applies the brakes, causing a constant deceleration of 4 m/s2 while the freight train continues with constant speed.

a) Does the passenger train collide with freight train
b) If not, what was the minimum separation of the trains and when did this occur?
c)Draw a sketch of x vs t, v vs t and a vs t of both trains.

Homework Equations


Xf-Xi = Vit + 1/2at2
b2-4ac>0 --> no collision

The Attempt at a Solution


http://oi56.tinypic.com/os6dec.jpg
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2

FAQ: Kinematics Collision Question: Find Minimum Separation and Sketch

1. What is Kinematics Collision?

Kinematics collision is a branch of physics that studies the motion of objects before, during, and after a collision.

2. What is the purpose of finding the minimum separation in a collision?

The minimum separation in a collision refers to the closest distance between two objects during a collision. It is important to calculate this distance in order to determine the extent of damage or impact of the collision.

3. How is the minimum separation calculated?

The minimum separation can be calculated by using the formula: d = (m1 * v1 + m2 * v2) / (m1 + m2) where d is the minimum separation, m1 and m2 are the masses of the colliding objects, and v1 and v2 are their respective velocities.

4. What factors affect the minimum separation in a collision?

The minimum separation is affected by the masses and velocities of the colliding objects, as well as the angle of collision and the elasticity of the objects involved.

5. Can the minimum separation be negative?

Yes, the minimum separation can be negative if the objects are overlapping or if they have a negative velocity towards each other. A negative minimum separation indicates that the objects are still in contact after the collision.

Similar threads

Train collision (linear kinematics)
Replies
6
Views
1K
Kinematics involving two objects
Replies
3
Views
2K
AP Physics 1 kinematics problem
Replies
1
Views
1K
Deceleration necessary to prevent a train collision
Replies
2
Views
1K
Deceleration of Train to Avoid Collision
Replies
1
Views
3K
Train Collision Problem - Calculating Head Start
Replies
1
Views
4K
A passenger train is traveling at 27 m/s when the engineer s
Replies
4
Views
2K
When Will the Two Trains Collide?
Replies
4
Views
12K
Colliding Trains: Will Cows Witness It?
Replies
17
Views
5K
How Do You Calculate the Minimum Deceleration to Prevent a Train Collision?
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top