Solving Harry's Boomerang Problem: Find Tom's Reaction Time

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving Tom and Harry, where Tom accelerates on a motorbike while Harry throws a boomerang. The key equation derived is t = (1/v)[(u + v)^2/2a - d)], which relates the time it takes for the boomerang to hit Tom based on his acceleration 'a', the boomerang's maximum speed 'v', initial velocity 'u', and distance 'd'. Participants explored kinematic equations and suggested modeling the positions of both Harry and the boomerang as functions of time to find their intersection point. The discussion emphasizes the application of kinematic principles in real-world scenarios.

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vaishakh
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Have a look at this question. Tom who is standing on a straight road notices Harry approaching him looking rather angry. Sensing the danger Tom starts his motorbike with a constant acceleration 'a' and assume that Harry is traveling. The question is that Harry has a boomerang with e can throw at a maximum speed of v in relative to himself. Then find the time Harry with himself to throw the boomerang such that it hits Tom.
It was given to prove that t = (1/v)[(u + v)^2/2a - d)]. I tried with all kinematical equations. I substituted proper variables in the formula but couldn't reach anywhere.
 
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My guess would be to write the position of Harry as a function of time and the position of the boomerang as a function of time and see when they are equal.
 

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