Motion problem for constant acceleration of truck

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a truck traveling at a constant speed approaching a stationary car that accelerates into the lane. The context is kinematics, specifically dealing with constant acceleration and relative motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of the kinematic equation used and question the validity of the two possible time solutions obtained. There is an exploration of the implications of each time value on the velocities and distances of both vehicles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants examining the reasoning behind the equations used and the implications of the results. Some guidance has been offered regarding checking the validity of the time solutions by considering the physical context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a specific answer being derived from a quadratic equation, and participants are encouraged to verify which solution is physically meaningful based on the scenario described.

chroncile
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Homework Statement


A truck travels at a constant speed of 28.0 m/s in the fast lane of a two-lane highway. It approaches a stationary car stopped a the side of the road. When the truck is still 125 m behind the car, the car pulls out into the slow lane with an acceleration of 2.6 m/s2. How long will it take the truck to reach the car? (Answer is 6.32 s)


Homework Equations


dt = dc + 125
dc = 1.3t2


The Attempt at a Solution


Okay I got the answer, but it's in quadratic form so:

1.3t2 - 28.0t + 125 =

t = 15.2 s or t = 6.32 s

How do you know which answer is the correct one?
 
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Hello? Please, I need help :frown:
 
How did you come up with your equation? You must have started from the basic kinematic equations, right?

Go back to those and try both values of t to see which one works/makes more sense.
 
Think about what this means...

At the end of t=6.32s, how fast is each vehicle moving (what are their velocities)?
What is the distance covered by each in this time interval?

What about at t=15.2s?
 

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