Who Will Reach the 200 Meter Line First: The Runner or the Bicyclist?

  • Thread starter Thread starter justinL
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
To determine who reaches the 200-meter line first, the runner accelerates from rest at 1.2 m/s², while the bicyclist travels at a constant speed of 10 m/s. The runner's distance can be calculated using the formula x = x₀ + v₀t + 0.5at², where x₀ is the initial position, v₀ is the initial velocity, a is acceleration, and t is time. The bicyclist's distance is straightforward, as he covers distance at a constant speed. By calculating the time it takes for both to reach 200 meters, one can determine the winner. The discussion emphasizes understanding the application of acceleration in the context of the problem.
justinL
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
A runner starts from zero with a constant acceleration of 1.2 m/sec2. At the same time and same starting point, there is a bicyclist moving at uniform speed of 10 m/s. Who will reach the 200 meter line first?


I know this is probably a pretty simple question for most of you but the unit squared is throwing me off. I figured to use the formula R=DT. This seems obvious but there again I just can't seem to incorporate the units squared into the grand scheme of things. Any help and maybe and an explanation would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For constant acceleration:
x=x_0+v_0t+\frac{1}{2}at^2
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Can a Runner Accelerate to Finish a 10,000 Meter Race in Time?
Replies
3
Views
2K
100 meter running with constant acceleration
Replies
3
Views
1K
What is the centripetal acceleration of the bob-sleigh?
Replies
15
Views
2K
How Can Physics Students Measure a Runner's Acceleration Using Simple Equipment?
Replies
1
Views
16K
Calculating E due infinite line and point charge?
Replies
2
Views
6K
Contact Forces & Acceleration: Solving for a and x after t seconds
Replies
6
Views
2K
Trouble solving for end state of two control volumes in a rigid tank
Replies
12
Views
2K
HVAC Diagnosing a thermostat issue
Replies
6
Views
3K
Monorail problem with coefficient of fiction and front and rear wheel drive
Replies
15
Views
7K
I need help, please, designing a pool sensor for breaking . . .
Replies
2
Views
133

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top