Problem 2-99 - v-t graph - Part 2 - (a)

Two cars, \(A\) and \(B\), are stopped for a red light beside each other at an intersection. The light turns green and the cars accelerate. Their velocity time graphs are shown in the figure below. (The positive direction is "forward.")

(a) At what time(s) do \(A\) and \(B\) have the same velocity?
(b) When does \(B\) overtake \(A\)? (Hint: Their displacements must be equal at that time and displacement can be found from a velocity time graph.)
(c) How far have the cars traveled when \(B\) overtakes \(A\)?

Accumulated Solution

The velocities are equal at \(t = 45\; s\)

Correct.

\(d = \text{area}\) under the \(v,t\) graph

Let's start by finding the displacement after \(60\; s\)

For \(A\) the area is

(A)   a triangle

(B)   a rectangle

(C)   a triangle and a rectangle.