Motion in a straight line and a cyclist

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving motion in a straight line, specifically focusing on a cyclist's journey and a scenario involving a car and a truck. The original poster presents calculations related to distance, velocity, and acceleration in different segments of the motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate various parameters of motion, including time, average acceleration, and distances traveled. Some participants question the appropriateness of the equations used, particularly in relation to changing velocities during acceleration.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging with the original poster's calculations, providing feedback on the methods used. There is a suggestion to consider a velocity-time graph for better understanding, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the potential pitfalls of using certain equations in scenarios involving acceleration, highlighting the importance of understanding the conditions under which specific formulas apply.

Mary1910
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Could someone please check my work? Thanks :)

A cyclist rode east for 1.0 x 10^2 m with a constant velocity of 25.0m/s. She then accelerated down a hill, and 5.0s later reached the bottom of the hill with a velocity of 50.0m/s.

a)How long did the cyclist ride before reaching the hill?

time=distance/velocity

t=1000m / 25m/s
=40sb)What was her average acceleration down the hill?

acceleration=change in velocity/time

a=50m/s-25m/s / 5s
=25m/s / 5s
=10m/s^2c)What was the distance she traveled down the hill?

distance=velocity x time

d=(50.0m/s)(5s)
=250md)If she continued to ride a constant velocity for another 5.0s, how far beyond the hill would she travel?

distance=velocity x time

d=(50.0m/s)(5s)
=250mAt the instant a traffic light turns green, a car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at a rate of 4.0m/s (E). At the same instant, a truck traveling with a constant velocity of 90.0km/h (E) overtakes and passes the car.

a)How far beyond the starting point is the car after 10.0s?

delta d= (v1)(delta t) + 1/2 (a)(delta t^2)
=(0)(10)+1/2(4.0m/s)(100)
=200m

b)How far beyond the starting point is the truck after 10.0s?

distance=velocity x time
=(90km/h)(10.0s)
=(25m/s)(10.0s)
=250m

c)The car passes the truck at a distance of 312.5m beyond the starting point. How fast is the car traveling at this instant?

v2^2=v1^2 + 2(a)(delta d)
=0+2(4.0m/s)(312.5m)
=2500m/s^2
=50m/s

d)How long does the car take to pass the truck?

delta t=v2-v1/a
=50m/s-0m/s / 4.0m/s
=12.5s

e)Both drivers suddenly see a barrier 100.0m away and hit their brakes at exactly the same time. Assuming that both vehicles decelerate uniformly, and they take 3.0s to stop, will they stop in time?

Car
delta d=1/2(v1+v2)delta t
=1/2(50m/s)(3.0s)
=75m

Truck
delta d=1/2(v1+v2)delta t
=1/2(90km/h)(3.0s)
=1/2(25m/s)(3.0s)
=37.5s

Therefore both the car and the truck will be able to stop in time.Thank you so much to anyone took the time to look over this and give feedback!

-Mary
 
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You have used a plug-and-chug style, which can trip you up when you pick the wrong equations - i.e. in part (c).
d=v/t only owrks for a constant velocity. While the cyclist was on the hill, she was accelerating.

The trick with these problems is to sketch the velocity-time graph.
The displacement is the area under the relevant section of the graph, the acceleration is the slope - that's usually easier than remembering the equations.
 
Thank you
 
No worries - how did you get on?
 

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