How to Use This Simulation

Step 1: Adjust mass sliders for predator and prey to change their acceleration (a = F/m).

Step 2: Set starting distance and prey reaction time.

Step 3: Click "Run Chase!" to see if the prey escapes, or try preset scenarios like Lion vs Zebra.

Key concept: Even though predators are faster, prey can survive because less mass = higher acceleration (Newton's 2nd Law: F=ma)!

🤔 The Puzzle

A cheetah can run 70 mph. A gazelle only reaches 60 mph. Yet gazelles survive millions of chases. How does physics explain this?

Time: 0.0s
🐆 0 m/s
🦌 0 m/s
Distance: 50m

🐆 Predator (Cheetah)

Mass 50 kg
Leg Force 2000 N
Top Speed 31 m/s (70 mph)
a = F ÷ m
a = 2000 N ÷ 50 kg
a = 40 m/s²

🦌 Prey (Gazelle)

Mass 25 kg
Leg Force 1500 N
Top Speed 27 m/s (60 mph)
a = F ÷ m
a = 1500 N ÷ 25 kg
a = 60 m/s²

⚖️ Newton's Laws in Action

Newton's 2nd Law: F = ma → a = F/m

Same force + less mass = MORE acceleration!
The gazelle has LESS force but MUCH less mass, giving it HIGHER acceleration. This means it can change speed and direction faster than the cheetah!

Newton's 3rd Law: When animals push the ground, the ground pushes back equally!
50 kg
25 kg
50 m
0.3 s

Result

💡 The Physics of Survival

Adjust the mass sliders and watch how acceleration changes. Even though predators are often faster, prey animals can survive by having better acceleration (ability to speed up and turn quickly). This is why smaller prey often escape — their lower mass means higher acceleration for the same force!