Example 2: Catch up problem
The speed of car `A` is `v_a` and the speed of car `B` is `v_b`. The distance between two cars is `d`. Both cars drive toward same direction. How long will car `A` catch up with car `B`?
Let's set the position of car `A` equals 0, than the position of car `B` is `d`.
`x_(A_i) = 0`
`x_(B_i) = d`
Equation:
`x_f = x_i + v∆t`
Solution:
Final position of car `A` after some time `∆t`
`x_(A_f) = 0 + v_a ∆t`
Final position of car `B` after some time `∆t`
`x_(B_f) = d + v_b ∆t`
At the moment car `A` catch up with car `B`, both car at the same position.
`x_(A_f) =x_(B_f)`
`=>`
`v_a ∆t = d + v_b ∆t`
`v_a ∆t-v_b ∆t =d`
`(v_a -v_b) ∆t =d`
`∆t =d/(v_a -v_b)`
Both cars will meet at
`∆x =(d/(v_a -v_b)) v_a = (v_ad)/(v_a -v_b)`