Solving the Unstoppable Coyote's Speed Challenge

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, specifically analyzing the conditions under which the Road Runner can reach a cliff before the Coyote. The Coyote accelerates at 15 m/s² from a starting distance of 70 meters from the cliff. To determine the maximum speed of the Road Runner, one must calculate the time it takes for the Coyote to reach the cliff and set that equal to the time taken by the Road Runner, who travels at a constant speed. Additionally, the problem involves calculating the landing position of the Coyote after falling from a 100-meter cliff while maintaining horizontal acceleration during flight.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematics, specifically equations of motion for constant acceleration.
  • Knowledge of projectile motion principles, including horizontal and vertical components.
  • Familiarity with the concept of constant speed and its implications in motion problems.
  • Ability to solve quadratic equations to find time and distance in motion scenarios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the time taken for Wile E. Coyote to reach the cliff using the equation of motion: \(d = \frac{1}{2} a t^2\).
  • Determine the maximum speed of the Road Runner by setting the time equal to that of the Coyote.
  • Analyze the projectile motion of the Coyote to find the horizontal distance traveled during the fall.
  • Explore the implications of constant acceleration on landing position in projectile motion scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in solving motion-related problems involving acceleration and projectile dynamics.

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Constant Speed?

The determined Wile E. Coyote is out once more to try to capture the elusive Road Runner. The coyote wears a pair of acme power roller skates, which provide a constant horizontal acceleration of 15 m/s^2. The coyote starts off at rest 70m from the edge of a cliff at the instant the roadrunner zips by in the direction of the cliff.

(a) If the road runner moves with a constant speed, find the maximum speed the road runner must have in order to reach the cliff before the coyote.

(b) If the cliff is 100m above the base of the canyon, find where the coyote lands in the canyon. (Assume that his skates are still in operation when he is in flight and that his horizontal component of acceleration remains constant at 15 m/s^2).





There were 10 parts to this problem and I am stuck on how to do these two.
Thanks soooooo much for the help!
 
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bkoz316 said:
The determined Wile E. Coyote is out once more to try to capture the elusive Road Runner. The coyote wears a pair of acme power roller skates, which provide a constant horizontal acceleration of 15 m/s^2. The coyote starts off at rest 70m from the edge of a cliff at the instant the roadrunner zips by in the direction of the cliff.

(a) If the road runner moves with a constant speed, find the maximum speed the road runner must have in order to reach the cliff before the coyote.

(b) If the cliff is 100m above the base of the canyon, find where the coyote lands in the canyon. (Assume that his skates are still in operation when he is in flight and that his horizontal component of acceleration remains constant at 15 m/s^2).





There were 10 parts to this problem and I am stuck on how to do these two.
Thanks soooooo much for the help!

For this type of problem, remember that 'constant speed' means a=0. So for part a, you want to find how long it takes Wile E. to get to the edge of the cliff, and then find a velocity for which the roadrunner will take the same time t to get to the edge as Wile E. Since anything faster than this means he arrives before Wile E., your answer would probably be 'greater than v meters/second'
 

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