As the signal turns green, automobile A accelerates at a constant rate of 2 m/s2. Two seconds later, automobile B starts and accelerates at a constant rate of 3.6 m/s2. Determine (a) when B will overtake A, (b) the speed of each automobile at that time, and c) the location where B overtakes A relative to the traffic signal.

a) 45 s , b)    vₐ = 90 m / s, v_b = 162 m / s, c)     x_b = 3.328 10⁴ m

Explanation:

We can solve this exercise using the kinematic relations

Vehicle A

              xₐ = v₀ₐ t + ½ aₐ t²

vehicle B

starts two seconds later

             x_b = v_{ob} (t-2) + ½  a_b (t-2) ²

as cars start from rest their initial velocities are zero

at the point where they meet, the position must be the same for both vehicles

             xa = 0 + ½ aₐ t²

             xb = 0 + ½ a_b (t-2) ²

             ½ aₐ t² = ½ a_b (t-2) ²

            t = (t-2)

              t (1 - \sqrt{  \frac{a_a}{a_b} }) = 2

             t (1 - ⅔, ) = 2

            t = 2 / 0.4444

             t = 45 s

b)

the speed of each car

                vₐ = voa + aa t

                vₐ = 0 + 2 45

                vₐ = 90 m / s

                v_b = 3.6 45

                v_b = 162 m / s

c) xb = 0 + ½ ab (t-2) ²

       x_b = ½ 3.6 (45-2) ²

       x_b = 3.328 10⁴ m

d. air pressure decreases as altitude increases.