Car and Truck Collision Avoidance · PhysicsBowl 2022 #37
Physics · mechanics
Problem
A car and a truck are both traveling with a constant speed of 20 m/s. The car is 10 m behind the truck. The truck driver suddenly applies his brakes, causing the truck to slow to a stop at the constant rate of 2 m/s². Two seconds later, the driver of the car applies their brakes and just manages to avoid a rear-end collision. Determine the constant rate at which the car slowed.
a. 3.33 m/s² b. 4.33 m/s² c. 1.33 m/s² d. 3.03 m/s² e. 3.93 m/s²