Proving the equations of motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equations of motion, specifically focusing on the integration of the velocity equation and the treatment of the integration constant in the derivation of displacement.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the integration of the velocity equation and question the necessity of addressing the integration constant. Some provide reasoning regarding its significance related to initial position.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in clarifying the role of the integration constant, with some suggesting it represents the initial position of the particle. There appears to be a productive exchange of ideas regarding the interpretation of this constant.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption that the initial position can be set to zero based on the choice of the coordinate system, which is a point of discussion among participants.

misogynisticfeminist
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If I got [tex]v=u+at[/tex]

i get, [tex]\int v = \int (u+at) dt[/tex]

which is [tex]s=ut+\frac {1}{2} at^2 + C[/tex]

how do i explain away the integration constant in this derivation?
 
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You can't.It's x(0),the initial position.You can set it to zero,if u want by chosing the origin of the coordinate system in that very point.

Daniel.
 
misogynisticfeminist said:
If I got [tex]v=u+at[/tex]

i get, [tex]\int v = \int (u+at) dt[/tex]

which is [tex]s=ut+\frac {1}{2} at^2 + C[/tex]

how do i explain away the integration constant in this derivation?

Why do you need to `explain away' the constant of integration. The constant [itex]C[/itex] corresponds to the position of the particle when [itex]t = 0[/itex]. Thus you have
[itex] \begin{align*}<br /> x & = \frac{1}{2} a_xt^2 + u_xt + x_0 \\<br /> x - x_0 & = \frac{1}{2} a_xt^2 + u_xt \\<br /> s_x & = \frac{1}{2} a_x t^2 + u_xt.<br /> \end{align*}[/itex]
 
jdstokes said:
Why do you need to `explain away' the constant of integration. The constant [itex]C[/itex] corresponds to the position of the particle when [itex]t = 0[/itex].

that's the explanation i needed lol, thanks a lot...it didn't occur to me then.
 

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