2.62 Calculate the objects position and acceleration (using tikx for graph)

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the position and acceleration of an object given its velocity function, as well as plotting this function using TikZ. Participants explore the mathematical aspects of the problem, including the implications of the object's motion over time.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the velocity function $v(t)=4-2t^2$ and calculates the acceleration as $a(t)=-4t$ and position as $x(t)=4t-\frac{2}{3}t^3$.
  • Another participant argues that the object moves to the right until its velocity reaches zero at $t=\sqrt{2}$, after which it moves back left, suggesting there is no maximum displacement from the origin.
  • Some participants clarify that the maximum positive displacement occurs at $t=\sqrt{2}$, with a calculated displacement of $\Delta x = \frac{8\sqrt{2}}{3}$.
  • One participant mentions the use of a 'Live TikZ Editor' for plotting, providing an example of how to visualize the velocity function.
  • Another participant expresses a desire to use TikZ more frequently, indicating a preference for the tool over others like Desmos.
  • There is a question regarding the source of the acceleration formula, with a participant confused about the derivative of the position function.
  • Some participants note that the area between the velocity curve and the time axis represents displacement, leading to a discussion about overall displacement over a specified interval.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of maximum displacement, with some asserting it exists at $t=\sqrt{2}$ while others argue that the object does not achieve a maximum displacement from the origin. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the interpretation of displacement and the implications of the object's motion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions used for displacement and the implications of the object's changing velocity. The calculations depend on the assumptions made about the object's motion over time.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
2.62 An object's velocity is measured to be
$v(t)=\alpha-\beta t^2$ where $\alpha=4.00\, m/s$ and $\beta=2.00 \, m/s^3$
At $t=0$ the object is an $x=0$.

(a) Calculate the objects position and acceleration as functions of time
(b) What is the object's maximum positive displacement from the origin.

before we answer these questions
how do you plot this using tikx
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I know nothing at all about "tikx". but the math problem is easy to solve. If the velocity at tiime t is 4- 2t^2 and x= 0 when t= 0 then the acceleration at time t is the derivative -4t and its position is the anti-derivative, 4t- \frac{2}{3}t^3.

The object, starting at x= 0 will move to the right until its velocity drops to 0 then move back left. Its velocity is 0 when 4- 2t^2= 0 so 2t^2= 4, t^2= 2, t= \pm\sqrt{2}. When t= \sqrt{2}, its position is 4\sqrt{2}- \frac{16}{3}.

However, after that the object moves back to the left without ever stopping there is no "maximum displacement from the origin".
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Over the interval $0 \le t < \sqrt{2}$, the object has a positive velocity and moves rightward from its initial position at $x=0$. For $t > \sqrt{2}$, the object has a negative velocity and moves left.

Max positive displacement from its initial position at the origin occurs when velocity changes sign from positive to negative at time $t=\sqrt{2}$

$\Delta x = x(\sqrt{2})-x(0) = 4\sqrt{2} - \dfrac{4\sqrt{2}}{3} = \dfrac{8\sqrt{2}}{3}$
 
We have a 'Live TikZ Editor' on this site. See the topmost link in the MHB Widgets when replying.
It's also explained in the https://mathhelpboards.com/tikz-pictures-63/tikz-announcement-22140.html.

We can for instance do:
[LATEXS]
\begin{tikzpicture}
%preamble \usepackage{pgfplots}
\begin{axis}[
xlabel={$t$}, ylabel={$v$},
grid=both, axis lines=middle,
xmin=0,ymax=12
]
\addplot[blue, smooth, ultra thick] (x, 4-2*x^2);
\addlegendentry{$v(t)$}
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
[/LATEXS]
\begin{tikzpicture}
%preamble \usepackage{pgfplots}
\begin{axis}[
xlabel={$t$}, ylabel={$v$},
grid=both, axis lines=middle,
xmin=0,ymax=12
]
\addplot[blue, smooth, ultra thick] (x, 4-2*x^2);
\addlegendentry{$v(t)$}
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
 
cool...

I want to start using it a lot...

I am just cutting and pasting from desmos (just a lot of steps)
thot the access here was too domineering
 
HallsofIvy said:
I know nothing at all about "tikx". but the math problem is easy to solve. If the velocity at tiime t is 4- 2t^2 and x= 0 when t= 0 then the acceleration at time t is the derivative -4t and its position is the anti-derivative, 4t- \frac{2}{3}t^3.

The object, starting at x= 0 will move to the right until its velocity drops to 0 then move back left. Its velocity is 0 when 4- 2t^2= 0 so 2t^2= 4, t^2= 2, t= \pm\sqrt{2}. When t= \sqrt{2}, its position is 4\sqrt{2}- \frac{16}{3}.

However, after that the object moves back to the left without ever stopping there is no "maximum displacement from the origin".

where does -4t come from I thot the dx of 4 is 4t
 
skeeter said:
Over the interval $0 \le t < \sqrt{2}$, the object has a positive velocity and moves rightward from its initial position at $x=0$. For $t > \sqrt{2}$, the object has a negative velocity and moves left.

Max positive displacement from its initial position at the origin occurs when velocity changes sign from positive to negative at time $t=\sqrt{2}$

$\Delta x = x(\sqrt{2})-x(0) = 4\sqrt{2} - \dfrac{4\sqrt{2}}{3} = \dfrac{8\sqrt{2}}{3}$

ok so the interval determines the displacement
 
karush said:
ok so the interval determines the displacement

Area between the velocity curve and the time axis represents displacement ... the graph shown represents zero overall displacement from the origin over the interval $0 \le t \le \sqrt{6}$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
953