When 2 Cars With Differing Velocities Will Meet

  • Thread starter Kova Nova
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In summary, the red car and blue car start from the same point, with the red car traveling at a constant velocity of 20m/s and the blue car traveling at a constant velocity of 30m/s in the same direction. Using the equations d=vt and d=xi+vit+1/2at^2, it can be determined that the cars will meet after traveling for 600 seconds and will have traveled a distance of 12,000m. This can be found by setting the distances traveled by each car equal to each other and solving for time.
  • #1
Kova Nova

Homework Statement


A red car moves with a constant velocity of 20m/s. Exactly 5 minutes later a blue car leaves from the same point with a constant velocity of 30m/s in the same direction as the red car.
a.) For how long (time) does each car travel before meeting?
b.) How far do the cars travel before meeting?

Homework Equations


I'm not sure if these are relevant but some equations in mind are:
Vf = Vi + at
x = xi + vit + (1/2a)(t^2)
Vf^2 = Vi^2 +2a(xf-xi)

The Attempt at a Solution


5 minutes is equal to 300s for easier conversions. The red car has already reached a distance of 6000m when the blue car finally begins to head out. I have attempted making an XY chart so for every distance I plug in for the red car I get the outcome for the blue car. (e.g. when Red car has traveled 5 minutes, it has gone 6000m but blue car is at 0m; then at 7 minutes Red car has traveled 8400m while blue car has traveled 3600m.) I did this all the way to 13 and 14 minutes where the blue passed by the red at 14 minutes so the answer has got to be between 13 and 14 minutes. However, I am looking for a more precise method of figuring out the answer, such as an equation to find the exact time if there is one. Much thanks to anyone who can help!
 
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  • #2
I would let ##d_R## be the distance traveled by the red car and ##d_B## be the distance traveled by the blue car. If the red car travels for ##t## seconds, how long does the blue car travel? Using the relation ##d=vt##, can you give an equation for each car? What relation do the two distances share?
 
  • #3
When you do it graphically the point where the two lines cross represents the solution to the simultaneous equations. So as Mark say, write your simultaneous equations and solve them. You might think there are too many variables but remember that for two cars to pass each other they must be at the same place at the same time.
 
  • #4
Suppose cars meet time t after blue car starts. Distance traveled by both cars after time t is same.
Distance traveled by red car is = (300+t)X20
That by blue car is = 30t
As both distances are equal:
(300+t)X20 = 30t
We get t = 600 sec is the time for two cars to meet.
 

1. How do you calculate when two cars with differing velocities will meet?

In order to calculate when two cars with differing velocities will meet, you will need to use the formula time = distance/relative velocity. This formula takes into account the distance between the two cars and their relative velocities to determine the time it will take for them to meet.

2. What is the difference between relative velocity and absolute velocity?

Relative velocity refers to the difference in velocities between two objects, while absolute velocity refers to the speed of an object in relation to a fixed point of reference. In the case of two cars, the relative velocity would be the difference in speeds between the two cars, while the absolute velocity would be the speed of each car in relation to a fixed point, such as the ground.

3. Can two cars with the same velocity ever meet?

Yes, two cars with the same velocity can meet if they are traveling in opposite directions. In this case, their relative velocity would be the sum of their individual velocities, resulting in a non-zero value and allowing them to eventually meet.

4. What factors can affect the time it takes for two cars to meet?

The time it takes for two cars to meet can be affected by several factors, including the distance between the two cars, their relative velocities, and any external forces such as wind resistance or friction. Additionally, if the cars are traveling on curved paths, the curvature of the path can also affect the time it takes for them to meet.

5. Is the concept of two cars with differing velocities meeting applicable to real-life scenarios?

Yes, the concept of two cars with differing velocities meeting is applicable to real-life scenarios. For example, this concept is often used in traffic engineering to determine the optimal timing for traffic signals at intersections where cars with different velocities will meet. It can also be applied to situations such as overtaking, where a faster car catches up to and passes a slower car on the road.

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