PhysicsLAB: Chase Problems #1

s_pursuer = "gap" + s_leader
v_ot + ½at²	number	v_ot + ½at²
vt		vt

Refer to the following information for the next two questions.

The following table shows the positions of two cars that were each moving at a constant velocity, at the times indicated. Graph the data for each car separately on the axes provided.

What was the velocity of Car A?

What was the velocity of Car B?

Refer to the following information for the next four questions.

A police car is stopped at a red light. As the light turns green, a diesel truck hurtles past in the next lane traveling at a constant speed of 28 m/sec. If the police car, siren blaring and lights flashing, accelerates at 4 m/sec², how many seconds will it take to catch the truck?

Sketch (using general shapes) and then describe the position-time and velocity-time graphs for this chase problem.

Using the chase equation, calculate the time when the two vehicles would be side-by-side.

How far did the truck travel while it was being pursued by the police car?

What was the police car's velocity when it reached the truck?

Refer to the following information for the next two questions.

A student is running at her top speed of 4 m/sec to catch a school bus parked at the bus stop. When she is just 10 meters away, the bus leaves the bus stop, accelerating at 1 m/sec². Will the student be able to catch the bus?

Sketch (using general shapes) and then describe the position-time and velocity-time graphs for this chase problem.

Using the chase equation, calculate the time needed for the student to catch the bus.