Solve Kinematics Problem: Car Overtaking Truck

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving a car accelerating at 3.40 m/s² and a truck moving at a constant speed of 17.5 m/s. The key questions are how far the car travels before overtaking the truck and its speed at that moment. The user is attempting to use the equation v²f = v²i + 2a(xf - xi) but is struggling due to the lack of a specific time or final position. They seek confirmation on their calculations and are encouraged to consider what is common between the car and truck at the overtaking point to facilitate solving the problem. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding relative motion in kinematics.
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I need help with this problem. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Homework Statement



At the instant the traffic light turns green, a car that has been waiting at an intersection starts ahead with a constant acceleration of 3.40m/s^2 . At the same instant a truck, traveling with a constant speed of 17.5m/s , overtakes and passes the car.

Homework Equations



How far beyond its starting point does the car overtake the truck?

How fast is the car traveling when it overtakes the truck?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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What do you think should be done? How would you go about solving the problem? HAve you any attempt made?
 
Darth Frodo said:
What do you think should be done? How would you go about solving the problem? HAve you any attempt made?

There is no specific time given, so i tried to use the formula v^2f = v^2i + 2a(xf-xi).
But for the car, I can't solve for the final velocity since I don't have the final position x so I don't know how to go about solving this.
 
May I ask if you have the answer to question 1? I have an answer but I want to ensure it's correct.

Also ask yourself, at the instant the car overtakes the truck, what is common between the two so I can equate something?
 

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