Solve Kinematic Equations for Collision of Carts

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving kinematic equations to determine the collision point of two carts, Cart A and Cart B. Cart A starts at position 0 with an unknown acceleration, while Cart B has an unspecified initial position and acceleration. Participants emphasize the importance of incorporating initial position and acceleration into the kinematic equations, specifically using the formula x = x0 + v0t + (1/2)at2 for both carts. The key takeaway is that both equations must be set equal to find the time at which the carts collide.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically x = x0 + v0t + (1/2)at2
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of initial position and acceleration
  • Knowledge of physics terminology related to motion and collision
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the complete set of kinematic equations for one-dimensional motion
  • Practice solving collision problems using initial conditions
  • Explore tutorials on basic algebra to strengthen equation manipulation skills
  • Review physics concepts related to acceleration and motion for better understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students learning physics, particularly those tackling kinematics and collision problems, as well as educators seeking to guide students through complex motion scenarios.

  • #31
Alright so I got
Xb+v0T+(1/2)-(aB)t^2=0+v0T+(1/2)aAT^2
 
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  • #32
Bocian said:
Alright so I got
Xb+v0T+(1/2)-(aB)t^2=0+v0T+(1/2)aAT^2

Be careful with your formatting. That minus sign in the middle of the acceleration term on the left side looks like an operator dividing two terms. Move the minus sign outside of the term. Use the same case for the same variables; it looks like t and T are separate variables.

What are the initial velocities of each cart?
 
  • #33
The initial velocity is both 0. Ok I replaced the + with a - on the left and removed parenthesis around ab
 
  • #34
Bocian said:
The initial velocity is both 0. Ok I replaced the + with a - on the left and removed parenthesis around ab

So if the initial velocities are both zero, what values will you plug in for the ##V_0##'s in your equation?
 
  • #35
Remove them since are 0?
 
  • #36
Bocian said:
Remove them since are 0?

Of course. I would have thought that would be obvious.

It is painful to try to apply and work with equations if you don't understand what the terms are and what they represent physically. You should be able to look at all the basic kinematic equations and describe what each term represents.

You should already have been introduced to writing and solving equations in your studies. These are very basic things that you seem to be struggling with. Perhaps you need to find a tutorial on basic algebra?
 
Last edited:
  • #37
Yes, I just didn't simplfy it yet. This is my first physics lesson so I'm still learning the basics. Our teacher said it would be challenging for us. Thanks for bearing with me on this.
 

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