205_o6_05 How long does it take a rock falling from rest to reach a velocity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of determining the time it takes for a rock falling from rest to reach a specific velocity of 25.7 m/s on a celestial body, using the equation for free fall. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification regarding the use of notation in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation for free fall, $s=2.38t^2$, and attempts to calculate the time to reach a velocity of 25.7 m/s using differentiation.
  • Another participant asserts that the problem clearly states "s is in meters," suggesting that confusion between 's' for displacement and seconds is unfounded.
  • A participant questions the differentiation of the displacement equation, seeking clarity on the notation used.
  • Another participant clarifies the relationships between displacement, velocity, and acceleration, emphasizing the importance of unit consistency.
  • A participant expresses a desire to understand how the problem is represented and solved using Leibniz notation.
  • One reply indicates that while notation may vary, it does not affect the underlying method of solving the problem, suggesting a specific representation for the derivative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity of notation and the implications of using different representations in calculus. There is no consensus on the best approach to clarify the notation or the method of solving the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the application of Leibniz notation and the potential for confusion in the use of symbols. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in the differentiation process.

karush
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$\tiny{205_o6_05_velocity}$
The equation for a free fall at the surface of celestial body in outer space ($s$ in Meters, $t$ in seconds.)\\ is $\displaystyle s=2.38t^2$
How long does it take a rock falling from rest to reach a velocity of $\displaystyle 25.7 \frac{m}{sec}$ on this celestial body in outer space?
$s'=4.76t \\$
$25.7=4.76t\\$
$5.4sec\approx t \\$
how do you do this by $\d{s}{t}$ since s can be confused with seconds?
 
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The problem says "s is in meters" so, no, anyone who was carefully reading the problem would not confuse s with seconds!
 
$s=2.38t^2$
$\d{s}{t}=4.76t\d{m}{t}$ ?
 
$s = displacement$
$v = velocity$
$a = acceleration$

Now, $s' = v \ (in \ m/s)$, and $s'' = a \ (in \ m/s^2)$, also, $v' = a$. We often go back and forth between these three, be it via differentiation or integration. It's always important to check your units though, as you are doing :).

As HallsofIvy has said, it should be obvious to the reader when 's' is used to represent the displacement, and when it is used to represent seconds. To rid yourself of any ambiguity, just do what you have already done and write 'sec'.
 
My main question was how is this shown and solved in
Leibniz notation ??
 
The notation doesn't change the way in which a problem is solved. It is merely a representation of symbols.

The only thing that changes would be your first line i guess.

$\frac{ds}{dt} = v = 4.76t$
 

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