How far behind is the automobile when it reaches a speed of 38.9 m/s?

Remember, the car has a different acceleration during each of those times. So you'll need to use the equations of motion to calculate the distances traveled during each stage. Once you have those distances, you can find the difference between them to determine the distance between the car and the train.In summary, the total distance the train covers in 71.7 seconds is 2789.13 meters. To find the distance between the car and the train when the car reaches a speed of 38.9 m/s, we need to consider the car's motion in three separate calculations: deceleration at -4 m/s^2, at rest for 71.7 seconds, and acceleration at 3.52 m/s^2. The
  • #1
bigzee20
25
0

Homework Statement



An automobile and train move together along
parallel paths at 38.9 m/s.
The automobile then undergoes a uniform
acceleration of −4 m/s2 because of a red light
and comes to rest. It remains at rest for 71.7 s,
then accelerates back to a speed of 38.9 m/s
at a rate of 3.52 m/s2.
How far behind the train is the automobile
when it reaches the speed of 38.9 m/s, as-
suming that the train speed has remained at
38.9 m/s? Answer in units of m.

Ok i know that the total distance that the train covered in those 71.7s is 2789.13m now what else do i need to do to find out how far behind is the automobile? How can i tell the total distance traveled by the car? is it d = vi(t)+1/2a(t)^2?
 
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  • #2
You need to consider the car's motion as 3 separate calculations:

1. Deceleration at -4 m/s^2
2. At rest
3. Acceleration at 3.52 m/s^2

How much time does each of those take?
 
  • #3
Ok i got the times
1. 9.725 sec
2. 71.7s
3. 11.05s
 
  • #4
Okay, all that's left is to figure out how far the car and the train move during those times.
 

1. What is the difference between position and velocity?

Position refers to the location of an object in space, while velocity refers to the rate at which the object changes its position over time. In other words, position is where an object is located, and velocity is how fast it is moving.

2. How is position and velocity measured?

Position is typically measured in terms of distance or displacement, using units such as meters or feet. Velocity is measured in terms of distance per unit of time, such as meters per second or miles per hour.

3. What is the relationship between position and velocity?

Position and velocity are closely related in that velocity is the derivative of position with respect to time. This means that velocity is the rate of change of position over time, or how quickly an object's position is changing.

4. How do you calculate average position and velocity?

Average position is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the object by the total time taken. Average velocity is calculated by dividing the change in position by the change in time. In other words, average velocity is the slope of the position-time graph.

5. How does acceleration affect an object's position and velocity?

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. If an object experiences acceleration, its velocity will change, causing its position to change as well. The greater the acceleration, the faster the change in position and velocity will occur.

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