Solve Time Interval Between Two Cars Leaving with 0.4 m/s^2

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    Beginner Mechanics
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two cars departing one after the other, both accelerating at 0.4 m/s². After two minutes, the distance between the two cars is noted to be 1.9 km, and the objective is to determine the time interval between their departures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the distance traveled by the first car using its final velocity and average velocity, while also considering the distance traveled by the second car. Some participants suggest using kinematic equations to analyze the distances and times involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on using kinematic equations. The discussion is exploring different aspects of the problem, including how to calculate the distances traveled by each car and the time interval between their departures.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on using kinematic equations, and participants are questioning the assumptions made regarding the distances and times involved in the scenario.

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Two cars leave one after the other and travel with acceleration 0.4 m/s^2 . Two minutes after the departure of the first vehicle , the distance between the cars becomes 1.9 km . The time interval between the departure of the cars is ?



i tried to do this by :- for First car (A)... 0.4 = Final V - 0 /120

therefore Final V is 48 m/s .

average V = 48 - 0 / 2 = 24

and 24 = d / 120 ... therefore distance = 24 * 120 .

now 24 * 120 - 1900 is the distance traveled by second car ( B ) ..

how should i proceed , if my logic is correct till now ?
 
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You want kinematics ... look up the suvat equations and work in terms of distance traveled.

Break it down:
In the first 2min, how far has the first car travelled?
(You can do this directly from the time and the acceleration without referring to final velocity... but you are fine.)

How far has the second car travelled? (you've got this.)

How long has the second car been traveling to get there?
(Here is where you want that suvat equation then - you know s, u, and a; you want t.)

The time interval between departures.
 
u mean S = ut + at^2/ 2 ??ok i got it , thank you .
 
well done :)
 

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