Finding acceleration from position data with no knowledge of integrals?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem concerning the calculation of acceleration from position data, specifically for a car moving with a given acceleration function. Participants explore methods to approach the problem without prior knowledge of integration, while addressing issues of forum etiquette related to posting the same question multiple times.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to integrate the acceleration equation to find position, indicating a lack of understanding of integrals.
  • Another participant suggests a method involving the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position, proposing to use the equation a = v (dv/ds) to facilitate integration.
  • Concerns are raised about the original poster's repeated posting of the same question across multiple forums, with some participants expressing frustration over the perceived waste of time.
  • A later reply defends the original poster, suggesting that they may not have understood the implications of double-posting and encouraging a more understanding approach.
  • The original poster acknowledges their mistake in posting multiple times and expresses appreciation for the help received, indicating a willingness to improve their forum etiquette.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the frustration caused by the original poster's multiple postings, but opinions vary on how to respond to the situation. There is no consensus on the best approach to solving the physics problem without integration knowledge.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the challenges faced by individuals unfamiliar with integration in solving physics problems, as well as the social dynamics of online forums regarding posting etiquette.

jjiimmyy101
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Problem: A car starts from rest and moves along a straight line with an acceleration of a=(3s^-1/3)m/sec^2, where s is in metres. Determine the car's acceleration when t=4sec. ANS: 1.06 m/sec^2

Alright...I know nothing about integrals...really, nothing. I was never taught anything about integrals even though I've taken calculus courses before.

Here's what I think I should do.

Take the equation a = d^2s/dt^2 and INTEGRATE it to find the position (s) and substitute it back into the equation. But how do you do this.
 
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This is a challenging problem for someone who knows nothing about integration. Anyway, you cannot directly integrate your equation. A trick is to first use

[tex]a={d^2s\over dt^2}={d\over dt}{ds\over dt}={ds\over dt}{d\over ds}{ds\over dt}=v {dv\over ds}[/tex]

Now you have

[tex]3s^{-1/3}\,ds=v\,dv[/tex]

which can be integrated. Once you have v as a function of s, you can integrate again to get s as a function of t. Then plug the s at 4 sec. back into the formula for a.
 
Originally posted by jjiimmyy101
Problem: A car starts from rest and moves along a straight line with an acceleration of a=(3s^-1/3)m/sec^2, where s is in metres. Determine the car's acceleration when t=4sec. ANS: 1.06 m/sec^2

Alright...I know nothing about integrals...really, nothing. I was never taught anything about integrals even though I've taken calculus courses before.

Here's what I think I should do.

Take the equation a = d^2s/dt^2 and INTEGRATE it to find the position (s) and substitute it back into the equation. But how do you do this.

In how many forums u have posted this Que it is already in Maths And Homework Section And in fact Krab and everyone(includin me- in General Maths forum) will give u same solution unless a Genius finds other way to do

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12588
 


Originally posted by himanshu121
In how many forums u have posted this Que it is already in Maths And Homework Section And in fact Krab and everyone(includin me- in General Maths forum) will give u same solution unless a Genius finds other way to do

I agree. I like to help out, but you've posted to 4 separate forums and so my reply was a waste of time on my part. So welcome to my Ignore list.
 
Hey Guys,

I think I've been wasting my time too.
But, let's not be too harsh on ol' jimmy. He's only posted a couple of times and might not have appreciated why double-posting is such a pain in the XXX.

Hopefully, he does now.
Paul.
 
Sorry

I really appreciate all the help. I'm new to forum etiquette and I apologize for wasting your time. I will, in the future (hopefully I won't need anymore help, but I doubt that that will happen) not post a message numerous times like I did last time.

Once again, sorry for being a dunce. Thanks.
 

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