Acceleration @ $\dfrac{5\pi}{4}: \sqrt{2}$

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    Acceleration
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the acceleration of a particle moving along the x-axis, given its velocity function \( v(t) = \sin t - \cos t \). Participants explore the point where the velocity first equals zero and the corresponding acceleration at that point, with a focus on the values of \( t \) and the calculations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the velocity \( v(t) = \sin t - \cos t \) equals zero at \( t = \frac{5\pi}{4} \) and seeks to find the acceleration at this point.
  • Another participant challenges the change from position \( x(t) \) to velocity \( v(t) \), asserting that the position function should remain consistent and provides a different calculation for when \( v(t) = 0 \), suggesting it occurs at \( t = \frac{3\pi}{4} \).
  • A later reply confirms the position function as \( x(t) = \sin t - \cos t \) and calculates the acceleration \( a(t) = \sin t - \cos t \) at \( t = \frac{3\pi}{4} \), yielding \( \sqrt{2} \).
  • Another participant calculates the acceleration using \( a(t) = \cos t - \sin t \) at \( t = \frac{3\pi}{4} \), resulting in \( -\sqrt{2} \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct time \( t \) at which the velocity is zero, with some asserting \( t = \frac{5\pi}{4} \) and others arguing for \( t = \frac{3\pi}{4}$. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct approach to finding the acceleration.

Contextual Notes

There are conflicting interpretations of the position and velocity functions, leading to different conclusions about the time at which the velocity is zero and the subsequent acceleration values. The calculations depend on the definitions and assumptions made by participants.

karush
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$\tiny{299}$
For $t \ge 0$ the position of a particle moving along the x-axis is given by $v(t)=\sin t—\cos t$ What is the acceleration of the particle at the point where the velocity is first equal to 0?
$a. \sqrt{2}$
$b. \, —1$
$c. \, 0$
$d. \, 1$
$e. —\sqrt{2}$Ok well originally it was given as $x(t)$ but I changed it to $v(t)$
So via W|A $v(t)=0$ at
$t = 1/4 (4 π n + π), n \in Z$So the first 0 would be $\dfrac{5\pi}{4}$Hopefully so far 🕶
 
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karush said:
$\tiny{299}$
For $t \ge 0$ the position of a particle moving along the x-axis is given by $v(t)=\sin t—\cos t$ What is the acceleration of the particle at the point where the velocity is first equal to 0?
$a. \sqrt{2}$
$b. \, —1$
$c. \, 0$
$d. \, 1$
$e. —\sqrt{2}$Ok well originally it was given as $x(t)$ but I changed it to $v(t)$
So via W|A $v(t)=0$ at
$t = 1/4 (4 π n + π), n \in Z$So the first 0 would be $\dfrac{5\pi}{4}$Hopefully so far 🕶
Wait! What do you mean by you changed it to v(t)? The particle's position is x(t) = sin(t) - cos(t) means that v = [math]\dfrac{dx}{dt}[/math]. You can't just change that in the middle of the problem!

[math]x(t) = cos(t) - sin(t)[/math]

[math]v(t) = -sin(t) - cos(t)[/math]

So
[math]v(t_0) = -sin(t_0) - cos(t_0) = 0 \implies sin(t_0) = -cos(t_0) \implies tan(t_0) = -1[/math]
which first happens at [math]t_0 = \dfrac{5 \pi }{4}[/math] as you stated.

(You don't need W|A for this. Put away the toys.)

So what's a(t)?

-Dan
 
karush said:
$\tiny{299}$
For $t \ge 0$ the position of a particle moving along the x-axis is given by $v(t)=\sin t—\cos t$ What is the acceleration of the particle at the point where the velocity is first equal to 0?
$a. \sqrt{2}$
$b. \, —1$
$c. \, 0$
$d. \, 1$
$e. —\sqrt{2}$Ok well originally it was given as $x(t)$ but I changed it to $v(t)$
So via W|A $v(t)=0$ at
$t = 1/4 (4 π n + π), n \in Z$So the first 0 would be $\dfrac{5\pi}{4}$

why did you do that? ...

... if originally, $x = \sin{t}-\cos{t}$, then $v = \cos{t} + \sin{t} = 0 \implies t = \dfrac{3\pi}{4}$
 
skeeter said:
<font color="#ff0000">why did you do that? ... </font>... if originally, $x = \sin{t}-\cos{t}$, then $v = \cos{t} + \sin{t} = 0 \implies t = \dfrac{3\pi}{4}$
Sorry I'm late but my favorite WiFi Hangouts told me to leave.So $a(t)=\sin{t}-\cos(t)$ .
Then plug in
$a\left( \dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right)
=\sin{ \dfrac{3\pi}{4}}-\cos \dfrac{3\pi}{4}=\sqrt{2}$
 
Last edited:
karush said:
Sorry I'm late but my favorite WiFi Hangouts told me to leave.So $a(t)=\sin{t}-\cos(t)$ .
Then plug in
$a\left( \dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right)
=\sin{ \dfrac{3\pi}{4}}-\cos \dfrac{3\pi}{4}=\sqrt{2}$

$v(t) = \cos{t}+\sin{t} \implies a(t) = \cos{t}-\sin{t} \implies a\left(\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right) = -\sqrt{2}$
 

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