Solve Physics Problem: Turtle & Rabbit Race Over 1 km

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SUMMARY

The physics problem involves a turtle and a rabbit racing over a distance of 1 km, with the turtle moving at a constant speed of 0.2 m/s and the rabbit at 8 m/s. The rabbit stops at 0.8 km to wait for the turtle. To determine how close to the finish line the rabbit can let the turtle approach before resuming the race, one must calculate the time taken by the rabbit to travel the first 0.8 km, the distance the turtle covers in that time, and then work backwards to find the optimal stopping point for the rabbit. This method ensures that both animals reach the finish line simultaneously.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of constant speed and time-distance relationships
  • Basic knowledge of displacement in physics
  • Ability to perform calculations involving time and distance
  • Familiarity with problem-solving strategies in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate time taken for the rabbit to travel 0.8 km at 8 m/s
  • Determine the distance covered by the turtle in the same time period
  • Analyze the time required for the rabbit to cover the remaining 0.2 km
  • Work backwards to find the turtle's position relative to the finish line when the rabbit resumes running
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in solving real-world problems involving speed and distance.

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Hey guys, I really don't know how approach this easy physics problem.

You have a turtle and a rabbit. Constant speed of turtle is 0.2m/s of the rabbit 8 m/s. They both compete over a distance of 1 km. At 0.8 km the rabbit stops to teaste the turtle. How close to the goal can the rabbit let the turtle approach before resuming the race, which the turtle wins in a photo finish?
Sounds easy, but I really do not know how to approach this! Maybe displacement?

Thank you
 
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I would approach this problem in the following steps:

1) Figure out how long it takes the rabbit to go the first .8 km when he sits and waits.

2) Figure out how far the turtle went in this time. (Set that value aside for a bit.)

3) Figure out how long it will take the rabbit to go the last .2 km.

4) Work backwards from the finish line and figure out how far away from the finish line the turtle would have to be to get to to the finish line just as the rabbit gets to it.

5) From the answer to (2) and this last answer figure out how far the turtle has to go while the rabbit is sitting and how long it will take the turtle to travel that distance. That will tell you how long the rabbit can sit.

I'm sure there are other ways to approach this problem, but this should do it.
 

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