Calculating Time for Mass to Reach Velocity with Applied Force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on calculating the time required for a mass to reach a certain velocity when a force is applied. It explores various approaches to derive the time from fundamental physics principles, including Newton's laws and the impulse-momentum theorem. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using Newton's 2nd law to find acceleration and then integrating or applying kinematic equations to determine time.
  • Another participant proposes the impulse-momentum theorem as an equivalent method to find time.
  • A participant requests assistance in isolating time in the equations presented.
  • It is noted that the original question does not specify whether a constant force is applied.
  • Another participant provides the equation for time as t = (v_f - v_i) / a, while referencing a previous comment about the lack of specification regarding constant force.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of understanding basic algebra to engage effectively with the physics involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and comfort with the mathematical aspects of the problem. There is no consensus on the specifics of the force application, and some participants highlight the need for clarity on whether the force is constant.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the assumptions about the force applied (e.g., whether it is constant), which may affect the calculations and approaches discussed.

Serj
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I want to know how to find the time it takes for a mass to reach a velocity if a force is applied to it.
 
Last edited:
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One way is to apply Newton's 2nd law to find the acceleration, then integrate--or apply kinematic equations--to find the time: [itex]v_f = v_i + a t[/itex].

Another (equivalent) way is to use the "impulse-momentum" theorem: [itex]F \Delta t = m \Delta v[/itex].
 
i'm terrible at math, can you isolate time on one side of the equation?
 
What equation are you using?
 
Vf=Vi + at
 
Serj said:
I want to know how to find the time it takes for a mass to reach a velocity if a force is applied to it.

Note that there is no mention of a constant force being applied here.

Zz.
 
Serj said:
Vf=Vi + at

[tex]t = \frac{v_f - v_i}{a}[/tex]

Make note of what ZapperZ said, though.
 
Serj said:
i'm terrible at math, can you isolate time on one side of the equation?
cscott has done this for you, but you won't get very far with physics if you don't first brush up on elementary algebra. I strongly recommend you learn the math first.
 

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