Motion, Finding stopping distance

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the stopping distance of a minibus given its mass, initial speed, and braking force. The initial calculations yielded a stopping distance of 150 meters, but the textbook states it should be 75 meters. The error was identified as using the wrong equation for distance, which only applies to constant speed. Participants suggest using the equation for constant acceleration, d = d0 + v0t + 1/2at^2, to find the correct stopping distance. Clarifications on the variables in the equation, particularly the initial position and velocity, were also provided to aid in solving the problem accurately.
TheRedDevil18
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I just want to confirm if what I am doing is right, please correct me because my textbook gives me a different answer.

Homework Statement


The mass of a minibus with the driver is 1.5*10^3 kg. The driver is moving at a speed of 30m.s when he notices that the traffic lights ahead have turned red. He applies a force of 9*10^3 N on the brake pedal.

A) How far must he have been from the traffic lights if he were able to stop in time?


Homework Equations



a=Fnet/m
s=d/t

The Attempt at a Solution



a=9*10^3/1.5*10^3
= 6 m.s^-2

using the equation a=v/t i got a time of 5 seconds

so
d = s*t
= 30*5
= 150 m but my textbook says it is 75 m
 
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The equation you are using for distance only works for a constant speed.

Try other equations like:

d=d0 + v0t +1/2at^2

that are suited to constant acceleration.
 
doppelganger said:
The equation you are using for distance only works for a constant speed.

Try other equations like:

d=d0 + v0t +1/2at^2

that are suited to constant acceleration.

What is that 0 in the equation. Is it initial distance and final velocity?
 
TheRedDevil18 said:
What is that 0 in the equation. Is it initial distance and final velocity?
d0 is initial position.

v0 is initial velocity.
 
His initial velocity would be 30m.s but what is his initial position?
 
If you find out how much distance the driver covers as he stops, you will know the minimum distance that he must be from the light to stop in time.
 
Ok thanks, i will try it out
 

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