Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration

In summary, a state trooper sets up a radar trap and a speeder passes by at a constant speed of 40 m/s. The trooper then accelerates at 5.0 m/s/s for 10 seconds and continues at a constant speed. The trooper travels 250 meters in the first 10 seconds and has a final velocity of 50 m/s. The speeder travels 400 meters in 10 seconds. The relative distance between the trooper and speeder at the moment the trooper stops accelerating is 150 meters. The time it will take for the trooper to catch the speeder is unknown.
  • #1
nkallivrousis
2
0

Homework Statement



A state trooper sets up a radar trap. A speeder passes the trooper and continues going at a constant speed of 40 m/s. The instant the speeder passes the trooper, the trooper accelerates at 5.0 m/s/s for 10 seconds and then continues at a constant speed. How far will the trooper travel before she catches up to the speeder?

Homework Equations



d=v1t+1/2at^2
d=1/2at^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured out the distance traveled for the first ten seconds by the police man to be 250 meters and his final velocity being 50 m/s. The speeder's distance in 10 seconds is 400 meters. Now I do not know how to find the distance that it takes for the cop to catch the speeder.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
So what is the relative distance between them at the moment the cop stops accelerating?
Then with their relative velocity, how long will it take the cop to cover that distance?
 
  • #3
The distance between the two cars would be 150 meters apart. The problem is that I do not know how to find a formula to discover the rest of the distance covered
 

What is "Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration"?

"Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration" is a scientific term used to describe the difference in acceleration between a speeding vehicle and a police car pursuing it.

Why is "Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration" important to study?

Studying "Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration" can provide valuable insights into the capabilities and limitations of both speeding vehicles and police cars, which can inform strategies for law enforcement and safety measures on the road.

What factors affect "Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration"?

The acceleration of both the speeder and the cop car can be influenced by various factors, such as the engine power, weight, and aerodynamics of each vehicle, as well as road conditions and weather.

How is "Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration" measured?

"Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration" is typically measured by calculating the difference in acceleration between the two vehicles in a controlled setting, such as a closed course or a simulation.

What are the potential implications of "Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration"?

The findings of "Speeder vs. Cop Acceleration" studies can have practical applications in law enforcement, traffic safety, and vehicle design, as well as potential implications for legal cases involving high-speed pursuits.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
958
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
821
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
Back
Top