F=ma 2025 Problem 04

Physics · mechanics

Problem

Question: As shown in the figure, a mouse

M

is running from

A

A^{\prime}

with constant speed

u_1

. A cat

C

is chasing the mouse with constant speed

u_2

and direction always toward the mouse. At a certain time

MC \perp AA^\prime

and the length of

MC = L

. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the cat

C

? (A)

0

. (B)

(u_1 - u_2)^2/(2\pi L)

. (C)

u_1 u_2/L

. (D)

u_1 u_2/( 2\pi L)

. (E) none of the above. *Note: This problem references figure(s): `image_question/F=MA_2025_04_1.png`*