Cat and Mouse Chase: Calculating Landing Distance on a 1.5m Table

  • Thread starter pooka
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In summary, the mouse is being chased by a cat across a 1.5 m high table. Before the mouse can be caught, it jumps off the table while the cat zooms by and off the table at a constant horizontal velocity of 5 m/s. As for the mouse, it can be assumed that its initial horizontal and vertical velocities are zero, similar to a ball being dropped from a given height. Therefore, it is possible that the cat and mouse land at the same place.
  • #1
pooka
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A mouse is being chased by a cat across a table of height 1.5 m. Before the mouse was about to be eaten, it deftly steps off the table edge, while the cat zooms by and off the table at 5 m/s. How far from the mouse does the cat land?

I don't know how to do this question, because the mouse's velocity is not given. Could it be that they land at the same place?
 
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  • #2
pooka said:
A mouse is being chased by a cat across a table of height 1.5 m. Before the mouse was about to be eaten, it deftly steps off the table edge, while the cat zooms by and off the table at 5 m/s. How far from the mouse does the cat land?

I don't know how to do this question, because the mouse's velocity is not given. Could it be that they land at the same place?
If the mouse simply 'steps off' the table, then it is safe to assume that it's initial velocity is zero, as for a ball being 'dropped' from a given height.
 
  • #3
Hootenanny said:
If the mouse simply 'steps off' the table, then it is safe to assume that it's initial velocity is zero, as for a ball being 'dropped' from a given height.

okay thanks! now i know how to do the question =)
 
  • #4
Hootenanny said:
If the mouse simply 'steps off' the table, then it is safe to assume that it's initial velocity is zero, as for a ball being 'dropped' from a given height.

Okay i just tried doing the problem. Just need to clarify some things, are both the mouse's initial horizontal and vertical velocity zero then? for the cat is the horizontal velocity 5 while the inital vertical velocity is 0?
 
  • #5
pooka said:
Okay i just tried doing the problem. Just need to clarify some things, are both the mouse's initial horizontal and vertical velocity zero then? for the cat is the horizontal velocity 5 while the inital vertical velocity is 0?
Sounds good to me :approve:
 

1. How do you calculate the landing distance for a cat and mouse chase on a 1.5m table?

To calculate the landing distance for a cat and mouse chase on a 1.5m table, you will need to consider the speed and acceleration of the cat and mouse, as well as the height of the table. You can use the equation d = 1/2at^2 to calculate the distance, where d is the landing distance, a is the acceleration, and t is the time.

2. What are the factors that affect the landing distance for a cat and mouse chase on a 1.5m table?

The factors that affect the landing distance for a cat and mouse chase on a 1.5m table include the speed and acceleration of the cat and mouse, the height of the table, air resistance, and any obstacles on the table.

3. How does the weight of the cat and mouse affect the landing distance on a 1.5m table?

The weight of the cat and mouse will affect the landing distance on a 1.5m table as it will impact their speed and acceleration. A heavier cat or mouse will require more force to move and therefore may have a longer landing distance.

4. Can you use the same equation to calculate the landing distance for any size table?

Yes, you can use the same equation, d = 1/2at^2, to calculate the landing distance for any size table as long as you adjust the values for the height and acceleration based on the specific table size. However, other factors such as air resistance and obstacles may also need to be considered.

5. How accurate is the calculated landing distance for a cat and mouse chase on a 1.5m table?

The accuracy of the calculated landing distance for a cat and mouse chase on a 1.5m table will depend on the accuracy of the measured variables and the assumptions made in the calculation. It is important to carefully measure and consider all factors to ensure the most accurate result.

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