Velocity Q: 2 Particles Collide in t secs

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In summary, the problem involves two particles moving towards each other from 100m apart, with velocities given by v1=3t−5 and v2=−t+30. The question asks for the time at which the particles collide. The attempt at a solution involved equating the displacement to 500 and integrating to find when the displacement reaches 500. However, it is unclear where the value of 500 comes from and the assumption that each particle will travel half the distance may not be accurate.
  • #1
simile
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Homework Statement



Two particles are moving towards each other from 100m apart. The velocity of particle 1 is given by v1=3t−5 and the velocity of the second particle is given by v2=−t+30. At what time (in seconds) do the particles collide?

Homework Equations


D/S=T

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
anyone?
 
  • #3
Did you make an attempt to solve the problem? Why don't you show it so someone can help guide you to the solution.
 
  • #4
i generally do understand what to do in this situation.
 
  • #5
Okay, then post your work. Are you familiar with basic integration techniques?
 
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  • #6
i basically equalled both equations to 500. then i integrated to find when the displacement equals 500. Then i subbed the time back into v equations. After i added the velocity together ,and divided 500/speed.
 
  • #7
simile said:
equals 500

Why 500? The particles are 100 meters apart, right?
 
  • #8
simile said:
i basically equalled both equations to 500. then i integrated to find when the displacement equals 500. Then i subbed the time back into v equations. After i added the velocity together ,and divided 500/speed.
Not sure where you are getting 500 from, but my guess is that either it should say 1000m in the OP or in the above you meant 50.
What makes you think that each will cover half the distance?
 

FAQ: Velocity Q: 2 Particles Collide in t secs

1. What is velocity in physics?

Velocity is a measure of an object's speed and direction. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction. In physics, velocity is often denoted as "v" and is measured in meters per second (m/s).

2. How is velocity calculated?

Velocity is calculated by dividing the change in an object's position by the change in time. This is represented by the equation v = (xf - xi)/t, where v is velocity, xf is final position, xi is initial position, and t is time.

3. What is the difference between velocity and speed?

Velocity and speed are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings in physics. Speed is a measure of how fast an object is moving, while velocity also takes into account the direction of motion.

4. Can velocity be negative?

Yes, velocity can be negative. A negative velocity indicates that an object is moving in the opposite direction of its positive velocity. For example, if an object is moving to the left with a velocity of 5 m/s, a negative velocity of -5 m/s would indicate that the object is now moving to the right.

5. How does velocity change when two particles collide?

When two particles collide, their velocities can change depending on the type of collision. In an elastic collision, both particles will bounce off each other with the same speed and opposite directions. In an inelastic collision, the particles will stick together and move off with a combined velocity. The change in velocities can be calculated using the laws of conservation of momentum and energy.

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