Physics Problem Help Please?

Here is the problem:

At the instant the traffic light turns green, an automobile starts with a constant acceleration a of 1.8 m/s2. At the same instant a truck, traveling with a constant speed of 8.1 m/s, overtakes and passes the automobile.

(a) How far beyond the traffic signal will the automobile overtake the truck?

(b) How fast will the car be traveling at that instant?

I have no idea how to solve this. If someone can just walk me through and explain that would be great!

Update:

Okay, one thing I'm not quite getting is how you got "distance = v0t + (1/2)at^2". Is that the integral?

Comments

  •     Dтʀĸ = (8.1 m/sec) • t ... truck's displacement

    ... and the standard physics equation for a constantly accelerating object:

     Dcaʀ = (½) • a • t² + (Vcaʀ i) • t ... initial velocity of car = Vcaʀ i = 0

     Dcaʀ = (½) • (1.8) • t²

     Dcaʀ = (0.9) • t²

    setting the displacements equal:

          (0.9) • t² = (8.1) • t

         (0.9) t² − (8.1) t = 0

            t • [ (0.9) t − 8.1  ] = 0

    Solutions: [t = 0]

     and (0.9) t − 8.1 = 0

              t = 9 sec

    ... so the two vehicles meet at the start [t = 0] , and again at [t = 9 sec]

    ... and the standard physics equation for the final velocity of an accelerating object:

      Vcaʀ ғ = a • t + Vcaʀ i ... final speed of car at [t = 9 sec] = Vcaʀ ғ

      Vcaʀ ғ = (1.8) • (9) + 0

      Vcaʀ ғ = 16.2 m/sec

    ... and the velocity equation is the derivative of the displacement equation.

  • Well, basically, distance = velocity * time, and distance = v0t + (1/2)at^2. So distance needs to be equal, i.e.:

    8.1 * t = (1/2)*1.8*t^2

    Solve for t, we get t = 0 (we knew that), and t = 9. 9 * 8.1 = 72.9 m (a), and speed of the automobile is 9 * 1.8 = 16.2 m/s.

  • Find the distance d and time t at which

    d=v_truck * t

    d=v0_car*t + a*t^2/2 ; since v0_car=0, d=a*t^2/2

    v_truck*t = a*t^2/2 -> v_truck=a*t/2 -> t=2*v_truck/a = 2*8.1/1.8 = 9s

    distance d=8.1*9 = 72.9m

    speed of car: v=v0+a*t = 9*1.8=16.2m/s

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