Relative Velocity to Overtake a Car – Rankers Physics

Relative Motion in One Dimension: Practice Problem & Solution

A car is moving with velocity of 20 m/s on a straight road. A scooterist wishes to overtake the car in 60 s. If the car is at a distance of 1.5 km ahead, then the velocity with which the scooterist has to chase the car is
25 m/s
20 m/s
45 m/s
50 m/s

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Relative Motion in One Dimension. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Relative velocity required to cover 1500 m in 60 s is \(v_{\text{rel}} = \frac{1500}{60} = 25\text{ m/s}\). Since \(v_{\text{rel}} = v_s - v_c ⇒ v_s = v_c + v_{\text{rel}} = 20 + 25 = 45\text{ m/s}\).

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