Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration)

In summary, the conversation discusses a scenario in which a driver is traveling at the speed limit of 40 km/h in a school zone and a child suddenly runs onto the road 13m ahead of the car. The driver's reaction time is 0.25 seconds and the car decelerates at a rate of 8.0 m/s^2. The question is whether the car will stop before hitting the child. In order to solve this, the driver's reaction time must be factored into the equations for distance and velocity.
  • #1
Physics 134
2
0

Homework Statement


The speed limit in a school zone is 40 km/h (about 25 mi/h). A driver traveling at this speed sees a child run onto the road 13m ahead of his car. He applies the brakes, and the car decelerates at a uniform rate of 8.0 m/s^2. If the driver's reaction time is 0.25 seconds, will the car stop before hitting the child?
vo=25mi/h or 11.1 m/s
a=-8.0 m/s^2
xo=0
x=13

Homework Equations


x = xo + 1/2(v + vo)t
x = xo + vot + 1/2at^2
v^2=vo^2 + 2a(x-xo)


The Attempt at a Solution


I changed all the values to mi/h to m/s. I tried to plug in the variables to one of the equations but I am just getting crazy answers that don't make any sense. I have no clue what time is and where the reaction time fits in
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The drivers reaction time would be the time between spotting the child and applying the brakes. During that period, the driver travels some path with full speed.

Hint for time:

v=v0+a*t
 

Related to Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration)

What are Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration)?

Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration) are a set of mathematical equations that describe the motion of an object under constant acceleration. These equations can be used to calculate the position, velocity, and acceleration of an object at any given time.

What are the 5 Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration)?

The 5 Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration) are:

  • Position equation: x = x0 + v0t + 1/2at2
  • Velocity equation: v = v0 + at
  • Acceleration equation: a = (v - v0) / t
  • Final velocity equation: v2 = v02 + 2a(x - x0)
  • Position-velocity equation: v2 = v02 + 2a(x - x0)

How do you use Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration) to solve problems?

To use Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration) to solve problems, you first need to identify the given values for position, velocity, acceleration, and time. Then, you can plug these values into the appropriate equation to solve for the unknown variable.

What is the difference between constant acceleration and variable acceleration?

Constant acceleration occurs when an object's acceleration remains the same throughout its motion, while variable acceleration occurs when an object's acceleration changes over time. Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration) can only be used to solve problems with constant acceleration.

What are some real-life applications of Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration)?

Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration) have many real-life applications, including predicting the motion of projectiles, calculating the trajectory of a satellite or spacecraft, and designing roller coasters and other amusement park rides. These equations are also used in sports science to analyze the performance of athletes and in engineering to design vehicles and machinery.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
988
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
780
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
466
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
896
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
7K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Back
Top