A bullet shot underwater given a velocity function

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum position of a bullet shot underwater, described by the velocity function vx(t) = voxe^(-bt). To find the position, the velocity equation must be integrated, leading to x(t) = x0 + [(-vox/b)e^(-bt)]. The integration constant C can be determined using initial conditions, specifically x(0) = x0. Additionally, there is a question about whether solving for C in an indefinite integral always indicates a maximum or minimum of the function. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving similar physics problems.
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Homework Statement



A bullet shot underwater will experience "viscous drag" and follow this velocity equation.
vx(t)=voxe-bt

What is the maximum position of the bullet (if you were to wait a long time, what will its position be)?

Given: vox=247m/s
b=0.53 s-1
x0=47.9m

Homework Equations



x(t)=d(vx)/dt, vx=d(ax)/dt

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure where to start. The only thing I came up with is that when the v=0, that would be the max position although that isn't giving me the correct answer.
 
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Do you know how to go from a velocity equation to a position equation?
That is: v \rightarrow x ?
Hint: Use the fact that: v = \frac{dx}{dt}
How do you get x?
 
In order to go from v→x, you need to integrate

x=∫vxdt

integrating voxe-bt gave me x(t)= x0+[(-vox/b)e-bt]
 
Right idea, let's step through it.
x(t) = \int v_o e^{-bt} dt = C - \frac{v_o}{b} e^{-bt}
Got that right?
Now you need to use your initial conditions to solve for C right?
Use
x(0) = x_o
What is C? Now what is x(t)?
 
Thank you, that helped alot!

I have another question relating to these types of problems

When you solve for C in an indefinite integral, will that always give you a max or min of the function?
 
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