Acceleration as a function of time

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle moving along the x-axis, with its position described by the equation x = 6.8t + 5.5t². The original poster seeks to determine the acceleration as a function of time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and displacement, with some questioning how these concepts interrelate. There are mentions of using calculus to derive acceleration from the position function.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and guidance on the use of derivatives to find acceleration, while others emphasize the need to express acceleration as a function of time rather than solving for a specific time value. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring that the final answer is an equation representing acceleration as a function of time, rather than a numerical solution for a specific instance.

halbe1
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Homework Statement


A particle moves along the x axis. Its position as a function of time is given by x = 6.8t + 5.5t^{2}, where t is in seconds and x is in meters. What is the acceleration as a function of time?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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halbe1 said:

Homework Equations


how does acceleration relate to displacement?

OR how are are acceleration and velocity related?

halbe1 said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Do this too.
 
Here's a hint... you can find how to come up with your answer online... It requires BASIC calculus to solve...

Search for how velocity is related to displacement... then search how acceleration is related to velocity... It will tell you what you need to do to the equation you've got to get the answer...

Then do the math and you're done...Hope this helped.
 
Well the slope of velocity is the acceleration.
I tried taking the derivative to find out the time and got 17.8...apparently that's wrong though.
 
Your question isn't asking you for the time... It is asking for the acceleration as a function of time...

Function tells you that your answer will be an equation... not solution of the variable you have left. Go back to what you have before you solved for t.
 
double derivative
derivative of displacement=velocity
derivative of velocity=acceleration
 

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