Recent content by CaptainEvil

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    Dynamics help: variable acceleration and angular velocity

    For question 1, start with the Kinematic Equations, specifically v = u + at
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    Is the Earth's Distance from the Moon Affected by Universal Expansion?

    The Earth and Moon are gravitationally bound to each other, but due to external forces the Moon is gradually moving away from the Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimeters per year. This is not due to the expansion of the Universe. In fact, galaxies as a whole are gravitationally bound i.e. a galaxy...
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    MATLAB Matlab ode45/independent variables help

    Hi - I'm having some difficulties with a simulation I'm writing. I have a second order ODE with three arguments of derivative information y(1),y(2),y(3) - each changing wrt to the independent variable t. Currently, in my system of ODEs, I have a variable that I am treating as constant...
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    MATLAB Matlab 2nd order ODEs for Rocket Ascension

    I've written a program to show the trajectory of a rocket around the Earth with initial conditions that can be manipulated to fix a circular or elliptical orbit. We start with Newton's 2nd law and use the equation a=F/m in freespace (so m can divide out) to get a 2nd order ODE and solve by...
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    What is the Average Speed for a Car Trip with Different Constant Speeds?

    Yes, and he still spent an extra 19.2 mins on the trip. You can't just forget about that time. Just think about running around your block. If you run at a constant speed of 10km/hr, your average speed is obviously, 20km/hr. But if you stop for 30 seconds to take a breath halfway through...
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    Using kinetic and dynamic principles to determine unknown parameters

    Start with Newton's laws. Write down the equations of motion that will relate all your parameters
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    What is the Average Speed for a Car Trip with Different Constant Speeds?

    Don't forget the time spent getting gas (speed = 0). You'll have to include that
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    How Do You Calculate Energy Changes in Water Phase Transitions?

    Use the relation between heat capacity, mass, temperature and heat. Look up values for heat capacity, specific heat capacity and latent heat of fusion/melting for water.
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    How do you find wavelength if your given only the speed?

    You would need to know something else - either the frequency and the medium through which the wave moved, or the distance the wave traveled and the number of modes.
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    Satellite orbital speed homework

    Use the fact that to remain in a circular orbit, the gravitational force must equal the centripetal force. You do not need to know acceleration of the satelite
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    Two-block system - what am I doing wrong?

    Yes, you should have Frictional force acting in the x direction = u_k * N_B However, your leading term: N_B which stands by itself should not be there. N_B is the force that the ramp exerts on the block, and while it is an important term in determining the frictional force, it in itself...
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    Two-block system - what am I doing wrong?

    your meaning of x component of weight of block B seems to be the same as my meaning of x component of gravity. Gravity is dragging the block down the ramp, but not at the rate mg, it is damped by a factor of sin(theta) of which you have written down correctly. N should not be there
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    Two-block system - what am I doing wrong?

    No your Tension looks like the right sign, but if your W is the 'x component of gravity' term then that needs to be positive, since it's directing your block to the right. There is no x component of a Normal force so leave out N. Keep note that your coordinate system doesn't matter, but...
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    Two-block system - what am I doing wrong?

    As far as I can tell your math is good, but I don't think you need this 'weight' term in Fnetx B. Your terms in Fnetx B should be Tension - Friction - xcomponent of Gravity
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