When and where will the police car intercept the stolen car?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a stolen car moving at a constant speed of 40 m/s and a police car that accelerates from rest at 8 m/s² after a delay of three seconds. The user is struggling to match their calculations with the book's answers, which state that the interception occurs in 12.4 seconds at a distance of 617 meters from the lay-by. Participants are encouraged to show their work to identify any errors in the calculations. The focus remains on solving the problem accurately to understand the dynamics of the situation.
VICKZZA
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Homework Statement



A stolen car,travelling at constant speed of 40m/s,passes a police car in a lay-by.The police car sets off three seconds later,accelerating uniformly at 8m/s^2.How long does the car take to intercept the stolen car and how far from the lay-by does this happen?
 
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i have done the same thing but answer is still not matching with the book.the anwer in my book is 12.4seconds and 617m distance
 
Answer in the book is correct.
 
VICKZZA said:

Homework Statement



A stolen car,travelling at constant speed of 40m/s,passes a police car in a lay-by.The police car sets off three seconds later,accelerating uniformly at 8m/s^2.How long does the car take to intercept the stolen car and how far from the lay-by does this happen?

Please show your work so that we can help you.
 
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