Question

Two bicyclists are racing down a straight road. At one point in time the bicyclists are right next to each other. At this moment, Bicyclist A has a velocity of 17 miles/hr and an acceleration of 32 miles/hr^2 , and Bicyclist B has a velocity of 20 miles/hr and an acceleration of 2 miles/hr^2 . Which bicyclist do you expect to be in front 15 minutes (1/4 hour) later? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

Cyclist A

Explanation:

given,

velocity of Bicyclist A = 17 mil/hr

acceleration = 32 miles/hr²

velocity of Bicyclist B = 20 miles/hr

acceleration = 2 miles/hr²

which cyclist in front after = 15 minutes = 1/4 hour

using equation of motion for cyclist A

`s = ut +(1)/(2)at^2`

`s = 17 * (1)/(4) +(1)/(2)* 32 * 0.25^2`

s = 5.25 mile

using equation of motion for cyclist B

`s = ut +(1)/(2)at^2`

`s = 20* (1)/(4) +(1)/(2)* 2 * 0.25^2`

s = 5.0625 mile

Cyclist A will be in-front after 15 minutes