What Calculus Concepts Can Help Predict a Collision Between Two Moving Cars?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying calculus concepts to predict a collision between two moving cars, specifically focusing on one car accelerating from rest and another moving at a constant velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand if calculus can be used to determine the point of collision or safe distance required to avoid it. Some participants affirm the possibility of using calculus, while others suggest that simpler equations of motion might suffice.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of equations of motion derived from calculus, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's uncertainty regarding the terminology and concepts, as they are not a native English speaker. This may affect the clarity of the problem setup.

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Homework Statement



If I pulled out in front of a car tht was going constant velocity of say 10m/s and I accelerated to 10m/s in 5 sec, is there a use for calculus to show the point of a collision if any or time safe distance required to avoid a collision?

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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Yes.
 
SteamKing said:
Yes.


Wanna point me in the right direction?
 
If I understand your problem correctly (I'm not an English native speaker), the simple equations of uniform accelerated motions are sufficient. These equations are easily derived from calculus but can also be figured out intuitively.

The position of a body that undergoes uniform accelerated motion is given by
x=x_0+v_0t+\frac{1}{2}at^2
where x_0 and v_0 are the initial position and velocity.
If two bodies move with constant acceleration (which includes no acceleration), you just have to equate the two positions and carry out the math and you'll find out the point in which they collide.
 

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