College Physics with MasteringPhysics 7th Edition by Jerry Wilson,Anthony Buffa,Bo Lou

Exercise 120

At a merging on-ramp of a busy Los Angeles freeway, car A is moving directly east on the freeway at a steady speed of 35.0 m/s. Car B is merging onto the freeway from the on-ramp, which points 10° north of due east, moving at 30.0 m/s. (See Fig.) If the two cars collide, it will be at the point marked x in the figure, which is 350 m down the road from the position of car A. Use the x y coordinate system to signify E-W versus N-S directions. (a) What is the velocity of car B relative to car A (b) Show that they do not collide at point x. (c) Determine how far apart the cars are (and which car is ahead) when car B reaches point x.

FIGURE Los Angeles freeway See Exercise.