Kinematics: Motion in One Direction: Car Chase

[DracoMalfoy]

Homework Statement

A car traveling at a constant speed of 24.0m/s passes a trooper hidden behind a billboard. One second after the speeding car passes the billboard, the trooper sets off in a chase with a constant acceleration of 3.0m/s^2.

A) How long does it take the trooper to overtake the speeding car?

B) How fast is the trooper going at the time?

Homework Equations

• Vf = Vi+a(t)
• Δd = Vi(t)+1/2(a)(t)^2
  
• Vf^2 = Vi^2+2(a)(Δd)
• Average Velocity: Δd/Δt
• Average Acceleration: Vf-Vi/Tf-Ti

Vf: Final Velocity
a: Acceleration
t: Time
Vi: Initial Velocity
Δd: Displacement

The Attempt at a Solution

[/B]
I tried to draw this out first. I know that the Initial Velocity for the trooper has to be 0m/s since they stay hidden behind a billboard before the car passes. and the Acceleration is 3.00m/s^2. I think that a is asking for the time... and I'm guessing that the second question is asking for Final Velocity...

Trooper
Vi: 0m/s
a: 3.00m/s^2
t: ?
Vf: ?

But is 24.0m/s the final velocity for the Car? Or the Initial? Or both? And do I look for the final velocity of the trooper first?

 

[Cutter Ketch]

The car is at constant speed for the whole time. When are their positions equal?

 

[DracoMalfoy]

The car is at constant speed for the whole time. When are their positions equal?

Im not sure where to start to solve this. Do they each require a separate equation?

 

[Cutter Ketch]

When are their positions equal?

Hint, hint

 

[Delta2]

Im not sure where to start to solve this. Do they each require a separate equation?

Yes exactly, write down one equation of distance as function of time for the speeding car, and another equation for the trooper. Take as t=0 the moment the speeding car passes the billboard. Make notice that the trooper starts the chase after 1sec has elapsed in order to make the correct equation of distance for the trooper.
Once you make the two equations equate the right hand sides of the two equations to get a third equation which will have one unknown the time t at which the trooper reaches the speeding car. You got to solve that 3rd equation.

 

[PeterO]

Im not sure where to start to solve this. Do they each require a separate equation?

Draw velocity time graphs for the two vehicles - that is the best place to start.

 

[Ray Vickson]

Im not sure where to start to solve this. Do they each require a separate equation?

Instead of two separate equations you could use one single equation for the distance between the two cars.

 

[Delta2]

Instead of two separate equations you could use one single equation for the distance between the two cars.

This single equation can be made by subtracting the two separate equations of distance. But it can be made in a more straightforward manner by using the concept of relative velocity, is that what you had in mind?

 

[Ray Vickson]

This single equation can be made by subtracting the two separate equations of distance. But it can be made in a more straightforward manner by using the concept of relative velocity, is that what you had in mind?

I am leaving all the details for the OP to supply. Hints are the most I am willing to give.

 

[Cutter Ketch]

I am leaving all the details for the OP to supply. Hints are the most I am willing to give.

You are all talking to yourselves. Delta told him exactly what to do in post 5, and the OP hasn’t been heard from since.