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

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The discussion revolves around whether a bus driver should accelerate or brake when the traffic light turns orange while 55 meters away from the intersection. Key factors include the bus's speed of 20 m/s, a reaction time of 0.25 seconds, and the ability to accelerate at 2.0 m/s² or decelerate at 4.3 m/s². Two main scenarios are analyzed: attempting to pass through the intersection before the light turns red or stopping safely before reaching it. The conversation emphasizes calculating the braking distance based on the bus's initial speed and deceleration rate. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the driver can safely navigate the intersection or stop in time.
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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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