Question

A snake is slithering toward you at 1.5 m/s. If you start walking when it is 5.0 m away, how fast must you go in order that the snake not overtake you when you have gone 40.0 m?

Answer 1

First, since the snake is travelling at a constant velocity, find out how long it takes the snake to go 45m (you have a 5m head start). 45m1.5m/s=30s Now you just need to go your 40 meters in that amount of time: Xf−Xi=1/2(Vi+Vf)t 40m−0m=1/2(0+Vf)(30s)40m∗230s=Vf=223m/s Since you're starting from rest, your average speed must be half of that which is 113m/s So at 40m, you and the snake will be at the same point however you will be going 223m/s at that point so the snake cannot overtake you. Looking back at the question, I believe it wants to know what your average speed needs to be...which is:>113m/s

Answer 2

45/1.5 = 40/x
45x = 60
x = 60/45 = 1.33

Therefore, you must walk as fast as 1.33 m/s for the snake not to overtake you before you have gone 40m.