How far does the police car travel to catch a speeder traveling at 180 km/hr?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Neal Parikh
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Car Kinematics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The problem involves a police car at rest pursuing a speeder traveling at a constant speed of 180 km/hr (50 m/s) while accelerating at 3.7 m/s². To determine the distance the police car travels to catch the speeder, the relevant kinematic equations include x = x₀ + v₀t + 1/2at² and V² = v₀² + 2a(x - x₀). The initial position (x₀) of the police car is 0, and its initial velocity (v₀) is also 0. The conversion of the speeder's speed to meters per second is essential for consistent unit application.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations
  • Ability to convert units (km/hr to m/s)
  • Basic knowledge of acceleration and velocity
  • Familiarity with solving quadratic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of kinematic equations in motion problems
  • Practice unit conversion techniques, particularly for speed
  • Learn how to solve for time and distance in acceleration scenarios
  • Explore graphical representations of motion for better comprehension
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of motion equations in real-world scenarios.

Neal Parikh
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A police car at rest, is passed by a speeder traveling at constant speed of 180 km/hr, take off in hot pursuit accelerating at 3.7 m/s². How far has the police car traveled to catch the speeder?

Homework Equations


I think we would use x = xo + volt + 1/2at^2[/B]

(Or maybe V^2 = vo^2 + 2a(x-xo)?I am getting confused with which equations are relevant).

The Attempt at a Solution


I know xo is 0 because it is the start position at rest, volt is also 0 because its not moving. I am confused as to what I do with the 180 km/hr (I converted to 50 m/s)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Definitely want to convert to m/s so that all the units are the same. I would also write out what you know about each car. Treat them as separate questions.
 

Similar threads

How Long for a Police Car to Catch a Speeder?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Calculating the Time for a Car Chase: Kinematics Question
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
How Long Does It Take for a Police Car to Catch a Speeder?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Catching the Speeder: Police Car Velocity & Distance Traveled
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Motorcycle Police Officer Chasing Car
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
8K
Speeder and Cop Meeting Time Calculation
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
How Long Does It Take for a Police Car to Catch a Speeder?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
Solving for Time: Police Car Catches Speeder
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How Long Does It Take for a Police Car to Catch a Speeder?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
1-D Kinematics Problem (Running to catch up to a bus)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K