Should the Bus Driver Brake or Accelerate at the Orange Light?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a bus driver approaching an intersection when the traffic light turns orange. The bus is 55 m away from the intersection, traveling at a constant speed of 20 m/s, with a reaction time of 0.25 s. The bus can accelerate or decelerate at specified rates, and the intersection width is 22.0 m. Participants are exploring whether the driver should brake or accelerate.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss two main scenarios: attempting to pass through the intersection before the light turns red or stopping before the light changes. Questions are raised about the feasibility of each scenario based on the given parameters.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants considering different approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding breaking down the problem into smaller components, particularly focusing on the braking distance and the necessary calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem due to the multiple variables provided, which may lead to confusion in determining the best course of action for the driver.

hazel31
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When the front a 5.0 m long bus traveling at a constant speed of 20 m/s is 55 m away from an intersection, the traffic light turns orange. It will take 3.0 s before the light turns red. The driver's reaction time is 0.25 s. The bus can accelerate up to 2.0 m/s/s or slows down at a maximum rate of 4.3m/s/s. The intersection is 22.0 m wide. Should the driver step on the brakes or on the gas pedal? (Young, 2000)

-- I'm confused there are too many given :(
 
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hazel31 said:
When the front a 5.0 m long bus traveling at a constant speed of 20 m/s is 55 m away from an intersection, the traffic light turns orange. It will take 3.0 s before the light turns red. The driver's reaction time is 0.25 s. The bus can accelerate up to 2.0 m/s/s or slows down at a maximum rate of 4.3m/s/s. The intersection is 22.0 m wide. Should the driver step on the brakes or on the gas pedal? (Young, 2000)

-- I'm confused there are too many given :(
There are two scenarios to consider here: (a)The driver sees the amber light and decides to try and get through the intersection before the light turns red, or (b) Tries to stop before the light turns red.

So the important questions are: If the driver tries to get through the lights, will he make it? If the driver decides to try to stop, will he stop before the lights.

P.S. I responded to this thread before I had read your PM. Please do not send unsolicited requests for help via Personal Message.
 
Hootenanny said:
Welcome to Physics Forums.

There are two scenarios to consider here: (a)The driver sees the amber light and decides to try and get through the intersection before the light turns red, or (b) Tries to stop before the light turns red.

So the important questions are: If the driver tries to get through the lights, will he make it? If the driver decides to try to stop, will he stop before the lights.

P.S. I responded to this thread before I had read your PM. Please do not send unsolicited requests for help via Personal Message.

Thank You for your effort to give me a hint .. I'm sorry I am just new to this forum .. Sorry Again :(
 
Welcome to PF, hazel31! :smile:

Let's break this problem down into smaller pieces.

I'm starting with the smallest piece I can think of.
Suppose the bus driver steps on his brake immediately.
What will be his braking distance?

You will need his initial speed. What is it?
And you need the deceleration rate. What is it?
You also need a formula to calculate the corresponding braking distance.
Do you know what that formula is?
 

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