Quick Equations of Motion questions (2). Rxn time; deceleration

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving two physics problems related to equations of motion. The first problem involves a meteorite striking a car, where the deceleration is calculated using the final velocity, initial velocity, and the distance of the dent. The second problem focuses on a driver needing to determine the maximum reaction time to avoid a collision with a car backing out, factoring in the deceleration of their vehicle. Key equations are discussed, with corrections made regarding the interpretation of distance and units. The final answers for deceleration and reaction time are provided, emphasizing the importance of consistent units and proper equation application.
SteveThePharmer
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Quick "Equations of Motion" questions (2). Rxn time; deceleration

1. A meteorite strikes on October 9, 1992, a 27-pound meteorite struck a car in Peekskill, NY, leaving a dent 22 cm deep in the trunk. If the meteorite struck the car with a speed of 130 m/s, what was the magnitude of its deceleration, assuming it to be constant?

27# meteorite
22cm dent in trucnk
130 m/s



Homework Equations



v^2=v0^2+2a(x-x0)=v0^2+2a(change in)x

v=-22
v0=130m/s
a=? (to be solved for)
x=?
x0=?

I'm pretty sure this is not the equation since distance is not given.



The Attempt at a Solution



I'm lost without the correct equation... :(



1. You are driving through town at 16 m/s when suddenly a car backs out of a driveway in front of you. you apply brakes and begin decelerating at 3.2 m/s^2.
c. If the car backing out was initially 55 m in front of you, what is the maximum reaction time you can have before hitting the brakes and still avoid hitting the car?


v0=16m/s
a=-3.2 m/s^2
(change in)x=55 m
v=0




Homework Equations



[(change in)x=v^2-v0^2]/[2a]

v=v0+at=0



The Attempt at a Solution




0=16m/s+(-3.2m/s^2)t

t=5s?

answer given is 0.945s, but i want to learn how to get there.

Thanks for looking!
Steve

If I could just get an equation, that would help greatly!

Thanks again!
 
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SteveThePharmer said:
1. A meteorite strikes on October 9, 1992, a 27-pound meteorite struck a car in Peekskill, NY, leaving a dent 22 cm deep in the trunk. If the meteorite struck the car with a speed of 130 m/s, what was the magnitude of its deceleration, assuming it to be constant?

27# meteorite
22cm dent in trucnk
130 m/s



Homework Equations



v^2=v0^2+2a(x-x0)=v0^2+2a(change in)x

v=-22
v0=130m/s
a=? (to be solved for)
x=?
x0=?

I'm pretty sure this is not the equation since distance is not given.

There is no v = -22. :confused: The 22 cm refers to the depth of the dent (i.e. the distance the meteorite travels), so you know the change in x. You also know what the final velocity is. The equation you have will work fine.
 
SteveThePharmer said:
1. You are driving through town at 16 m/s when suddenly a car backs out of a driveway in front of you. you apply brakes and begin decelerating at 3.2 m/s^2.
c. If the car backing out was initially 55 m in front of you, what is the maximum reaction time you can have before hitting the brakes and still avoid hitting the car?


v0=16m/s
a=-3.2 m/s^2
(change in)x=55 m
v=0




Homework Equations



[(change in)x=v^2-v0^2]/[2a]

v=v0+at=0



The Attempt at a Solution




0=16m/s+(-3.2m/s^2)t

t=5s?

answer given is 0.945s, but i want to learn how to get there.

Thanks for looking!
Steve

If I could just get an equation, that would help greatly!
The time you have calculated is the time it takes your car to stop, once you apply the brakes. The problem asks for your max reaction time before you apply the brakes, to avoid collision. You are assumed moving at constant speed during that reaction period. The distance you travel during the reaction period, plus the distance you travel during the braking period, must add to 55m. (I got t = .938s).
 
okay, for question 1:

0^2=(130m/s)^2+2a(0-22)
-16900=-44a
a=384.90m/s^2

and for question 2:
(change in)x=[0^2-(16m/s)^2]/[2(-3.2)m/s^2]=40m

55m-40m=15m

[15m]/[16m/s]=0.9375s=~0.94s

thanks for the kick in the right direction guys! great website!
 
SteveThePharmer said:
okay, for question 1:

0^2=(130m/s)^2+2a(0-22)
-16900=-44a
a=384.90m/s^2

Be careful of your units. The distance is given 22 cm but your velocity is in m/s. You must be consistent. Also, it's x-x0. Your acceleration should come out negative since the meteorite comes to a stop.
 
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