Solving Equations for Track Graph on Microsoft Excel

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around formulating equations related to a 2D track graph in Microsoft Excel, focusing on concepts such as Initial Energy, Centripetal Acceleration, and Kinetic Energy. Participants are exploring how to represent these physical concepts mathematically within the context of a variable track design.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive equations for Initial Energy and Speed with Centripetal Acceleration, expressing uncertainty about the correct formulations and the role of various parameters like radius and total energy.
  • Some participants question the implications of adding Centripetal Acceleration, suggesting it may not affect speed but rather the direction of motion.
  • Others express confusion regarding the relationship between Initial Energy, Total Energy, and how to calculate them without specific numerical values.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment that requires them to formulate equations without numerical examples. There is a noted lack of consensus on how to approach the calculations for energy and speed in the context of the track's design.

HawKMX2004
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
I am having some problems with equations for a problem. The problem isn't really a question, it's more of finding equations to make something work. Basically, It is a graph on Microsoft Excel, that resembles a 2D track. The track has variable points that you can change, to increase height, distance, Coefficient of Friction, Centripetal Acceleration, Force Centripetal, etc. I have some equations figured out, but I am stuck on a few. Here is what i have and what i need, any help is appreciated. (remember there are no numbers, just equations)

The first is IE ( Initial Energy ) without Centripetal Acceleration added. I have no idea where to even start with this equation, but i assume that Initial Energy is the greatest kinetic Energy, minus the Kinetic Energy at the point you are? I need a lot of help there. Final Equation: TE - KE

The second is IE of Individual Track segment with Centripetal Acceleration added. For this, I assume that it is once again the Total Energy minus the Kinetic Energy at that point plus ( Velocity^2 / Radius ) I don't know exactly how to get the radius though ( is it half of the track segment?? :confused: ) Final Equation: TE - KE + [v^2/(1/2)(TrackSegmentLength)]

The third is Speed with Centripetal Acceleration. For this I think I have it, but since i have Kinetic Energy as a Given, I would use the Equation v=SquareRoot(KE/.5m)

The fourth is Distance Traveled, for this, wouldn't it be the new track segment plus all of the previous track segments?? :confused: Final Equation: New Track + All Previous Track


That is all i have, please correct me on equations if I'm wrong, or if you need clarification id be glad to give it to you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What do u mean by centripetal acceleration added? when the centripetal acceleration is added, it shouldn't change the speed and only change the direction? no?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
yes, Think of a track that goes up and down at random points...thats what its saying...so what is the speed with Centripetal acceleration added..I am still very confused..because none of my equations are working :confused: :cry:
 
the speed should still be the same as the initial speed.
 
But what about Initial energy and speed? how do I get them without having Total Energy?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
13K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
43
Views
5K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K