Answer:
After 15 seconds, the green car will catch up with the blue car
Explanation:
Let the time for the green car to catch up with the blue car be T
When the green car catches up to the blue car, the distances covered by each car after time T will be equal. Also, their velocities at that instant will be equal
Distance covered by blue car after time T is given by: s = ut + 0.5 at²
Where u = 0, a = 0.2 m/s², t = T
S = 0.5 × 0.2 × T² = 0.1 T²
Velocity of blue car, v = u+ at
v = 0.2T
Distance covered by green car at T is given as: S = Velocity × time
Where v = 0.2T, t = T - 7.5 (since the blue car started 7.5 seconds earlier)
S = 0.2T (T - 7.5)
S = 0.2 T² - 1.5T
Equating the distance covered by the two cars
0.2T² - 1.5T = 0.1T²
0.1T² - 1.5T = 0
T(0.1T - 1.5) = 0
T = 0 or
T = 1.5/0.1 = 15 secs
Therefore, after 15 seconds, the green car will catch up with the blue car