Problem finding time, position, and velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a scenario where a bicyclist accelerates to catch up with a friend who is riding at a constant speed. The subject area pertains to kinematics, focusing on time, position, and velocity calculations under uniform acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equations of motion and their application to the problem. There is an emphasis on identifying known variables and how to combine them effectively. Some participants express difficulty in labeling the variables correctly and integrating them into the equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem. There is an exploration of the initial conditions and the need to establish equations for both cyclists. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of certain information, such as the final position and final velocity of the accelerating bicyclist. There is also mention of imposed constraints related to the problem's setup and the need for clarity in labeling variables.

Snowhite525
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1. A bicyclist is finishing his repair of a flat tire when his friend rides by at 3.0 m/s. Two seconds later, the bicyclist hops on his bike and accelerates at 2.2m/s^2 until he catches his friend.
A) how much time does it take until he catches his friend?
B) how far had he traveled in this time?
C) what is his speed when he catches up?
2. I have tried using the three equations for velocity and position but have not came up with anything that is close to correct. I know the values have to work in the equations somehow! :(

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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What are the equations you have used so far? Please write them down. According to the problem data, have you any idea of how to combine them in order to find what is asked?
 
Vf=Vi+AT
Xf=Xi+ViT+1/2AT^2
Vf^2=Vi^2+2A(Xf-Xf)

Vi is the initial velocity
Vf is the final velocity
Xi is the initial position
Xf is the final position
A is acceleration
T is time

I have tried drawing mutiple diagrams and labeling everything I possibly can. I have come up with his starting position as 0 his initial velocity as 0 his acceleration is 2.2m/s^2 I am not given his final position or final velocity. Also his friend has a constant velocity of 3.0m/s so his acceleration is zero. i suppose the 3.0m/s would be his friends initial velocity and his final velocity.
I guess the biggest problem I am having is trying to properly label every thing and be able to plug the values into the equations to figure out the missing information. This problem has had me stumped for hours now.
 
Start by listing the known things at the instant the first cyclist sets off. For example, what is the speed and position of the second cyclist at that instant? Write an equation that predicts his position from that moment onward (that is, start counting time from that instant). Do the same for the second cyclist (the one who is accelerating).
 

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