1D Motion - Position as a Funtion of Time

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing the motion of a lab cart along the x-axis, described by the position function x(t) = 6m - (8 m/s)t + (1 m/s²)t². Key calculations include determining displacement over specified time intervals, initial velocity, average velocity, average speed, instantaneous velocity, and acceleration. The cart changes direction when its velocity, derived from the first derivative of the position function, equals zero. Participants emphasized the importance of differentiation to derive velocity and acceleration equations from the position function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically differentiation
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations in physics
  • Knowledge of the concepts of velocity and acceleration
  • Ability to perform substitutions in mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to differentiate polynomial functions to find velocity and acceleration
  • Study the relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration in kinematics
  • Practice solving problems involving displacement and direction changes in 1D motion
  • Explore graphical representations of motion to visualize velocity and acceleration
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for physics exams, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone seeking to understand the principles of 1D motion and its mathematical representations.

Wboyt92
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
All, I am reviewing for a comprehensive exam and am extremely weak on 1D Motion. Can you please help me out?

A lab cart travels along the x-axis and its position as a function of time is given by the following expression: x(t)= 6m - (8 m/s)t + (1 m/s2)t2

1. Displacement of cart during time interval t=0s to t=2s
2. \Deltax of cart during time interval t=2s to t=3s.
3. \Deltax of cart during time interval t=0s to t=5s.
4. Total distance from t=0s to t=5s.
5. Initial velocity (@t=0) in m/s.
6. Average velocity from t=0s to t=5s.
7. Average speed (m/s) t=0s to t=5s.
8. Instantaneous velocity (m/s) @ t=3s.
9. Acceleration in (m/s2)
10. Where (if ever) does the cart change direction?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have:
x'(t)=6-8t+t^{2}

delta x can be calculated with simple substitution.

You need to find an equation for both velocity and acceleration by means of differentiation.

Recall the definitions for the terms: average, velocity and speed (a plot might help).

Direction changes when velocity is zero.
 
for questions 1-5, plug in the time given to for t then use those numbers to complete the problem. to find equations for velocity and acceleration, you must differentiate the position function.

ex. x(t)=d(1+2t+4t^2) --> v(t)=8t+2 then v(t)=d(8t+2) --> a(t)=8
position function becomes velocity function _velocity becomes acceleration function

just use the equation given to you, and in the acceleration equation, a lone number indicates a constant acceleration.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
52
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
896
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K