Solve Kinematic Equations for Collision of Carts

[Bocian]

Alright so I got
Xb+v0T+(1/2)-(aB)t^2=0+v0T+(1/2)aAT^2

 

[gneill]

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?

 

[Bocian]

The initial velocity is both 0. Ok I replaced the + with a - on the left and removed parenthesis around ab

 

[gneill]

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?

 

[Bocian]

Remove them since are 0?

 

[gneill]

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?

 

[Bocian]

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.