Final answer:
In the two-body pursuit problem in Physics, the time it takes for Car 1 to catch up to Car 2 is determined through kinematics, solving motion equations for both vehicles. The exact time at which the pursuit begins depends on the time delay from Car 2's start. The study of these problems involves concepts of velocity, acceleration, and conservation of momentum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to a scenario known as a two-body pursuit problem in Physics, more specifically in the topic of kinematics, which deals with motion. In the given example, Car 1 accelerates towards Car 2, which is moving at a constant velocity. To solve the problem of when Car 1 will catch up to Car 2, the motion equations of both cars need to be established and solved simultaneously.
Such problems involve understanding concepts like velocity, acceleration, and time. If Car 1 begins accelerating at a time after Car 2 has been moving, the pursuit begins after that initial time gap. Whether it's 1 second or another time span depends on the details of their respective motions.
The example of comparing two baseballs illustrates the variety of motion equations that can be involved in these scenarios. Situations might range from objects moving in one direction to more complex motions involving multiple dimensions. The problem becomes even more intricate when considering momentum, as illustrated by the collision where total momentum is conserved.