Typical when do they collide problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ohoneo
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a typical "when do they collide" problem involving two knights on horseback starting from rest and accelerating towards each other. Sir George accelerates at 0.18 m/s², while Sir Alfred accelerates at 0.34 m/s², starting 92 meters apart. The solution involves using kinematic equations to express the distances traveled by both knights in terms of time and eliminating the time variable to find the collision point relative to Sir George's starting position. The problem was successfully solved by relating the distances traveled by both knights.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations for constant acceleration
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Concept of relative motion
  • Familiarity with the physics of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the four kinematic equations in detail
  • Practice solving collision problems in one dimension
  • Explore the concept of relative velocity in physics
  • Learn about graphical methods for analyzing motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and motion, as well as educators looking for examples of collision problems in a classroom setting.

Ohoneo
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
Typical "when do they collide" problem

Homework Statement



In a historical movie, two knights on horseback start from rest 92 m apart and ride directly toward each other to do battle. Sir George's acceleration has a magnitude of 0.18 m/s2, while Sir Alfred's has a magnitude of 0.34 m/s2. Relative to Sir George's starting point, where do the knights collide?

Homework Equations



I would guess the 4 kinematics equations (as acceleration is constant)
v = v0 + at
x = 1/2(v0+v)t
x = v0t + 1/2 at^2
v^2 = v0^2 + 2ax

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, basically I think my attempts ended up being long and fruitless. I had NO idea how to start this problem and tried finding the position by hand plugging in 1, 2, 3, etc for time and figuring out how close the knights were coming to each other. Didn't work so well.
I thought I should make two equations equal to each other but didn't know what equations or where to start. Now I think I should be replacing t or x (position) in one of the equations, since I'm missing two variables instead of just one but I'm not sure how to relate the two... Any help at all is appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Both knights travel with constant acceleration and start form zero velocity. So what are the distances (s1 and s2) traveled by both knights in time t?
Initially, the knights are 92 m apart. As they ride toward each other, the distance between them gradually decreases. Write up the distance between the knights as terms of t. ehild
 


Thank you so much :) I solved the problem. I had to basically eliminate t from the problem, as I was looking for x (relative to George). Thanks again!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K