The cars do not pass when the accelerating car reaches 15 m/s. The other car is still far ahead at that time.
The cars pass when
15 t = (1/2)at^2 = 1.25 t^2
t = 15/1.25 = 12 s
Distance = 15 t = 180 m
A truck is stopped at a stoplight. When the light turns green, it accelerates at 2.5 m/s². At the same instant, a car passes the truck going 15 m/s. Where and when does the truck catch up with the car?
First I found out how long it took the truck to reach 15 m/s. Then I found out how far the truck had traveled in the time it took to reach 15 m/s. Then I found out how far the car had traveled in the time it took the truck to reach 15 m/s.
A version of the question was posted here and was answered incorrectly.
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