Another particle moving in a straight line problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a particle moving in a straight line with given initial conditions and acceleration. Participants explore the calculation of the particle's velocity and displacement at a specific time, using concepts from calculus and kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note the initial velocity of the particle is $8 \, m/s$ and the acceleration is given by the equation $a = 12 - 6t$.
  • There is a discussion about integrating the acceleration to find the velocity function, with one participant suggesting $v(t) = -3t^2 + 12t + 8$.
  • Another participant mentions the importance of the initial conditions for integration, specifically that the velocity at $t=0$ is $8 \, m/s$.
  • One participant calculates the velocity at $t=2$ to be $20 \, m/s$ and questions how to find displacement without a defined position function.
  • Several participants propose the displacement function $s(t) = -t^3 + 6t^2 + 8t$, with one asserting that $s(2) = 32$.
  • There is a suggestion to express the displacement in terms of an arbitrary initial position $x_0$.
  • Another participant confirms the calculated displacement at $t=2$ aligns with previous results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the calculations for velocity and displacement, but there are varying approaches to defining the initial position and the integration process. The discussion remains open regarding the best method to express displacement.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the integration constants and initial conditions are not fully resolved, and there are different interpretations of how to define the initial position.

karush
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A particle, moving in a straight line, passes through a fixed point O
with a velocity of $8 m s^{-1}$
Its acceleration, $a\ m^{-2}$, t seconds after passing O is given by $a=12-6t$. Find
(i) the velocity of the particle when $t=2$,
(ii) the displacement of the partial from O when $t=2$.

I know that if $a=12-6t$.
Then $v=12t+3t^2+C$
 
Last edited:
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karush said:
A particle, moving in a straight line, passes through a fixed point O with a velocity of $8 m s^{-1}$
In acceleration, $a$ in $m\,\mathbf{s}^{-2}$, t seconds after passing O is given by $a=12-6t$. Find
(i) the velocity of the particle when $t=2$,
(ii) the displacement of the partial from O when $t=2$.

I know that if $a=12-6t$.
Then $v=12t+3t^2+C$

It would really help if you posted the question properly. I have fixed what I think you meant...

Anyway, since you know that when the point passes through the origin, the velocity is 8, that should help you work out your integration constant.
 
karush said:
A particle, moving in a straight line, passes through a fixed point O
with a velocity of $8 m s^{-1}$
Its acceleration, $a\ m^{-2}$, t seconds after passing O is given by $a=12-6t$. Find
(i) the velocity of the particle when $t=2$,
(ii) the displacement of the partial from O when $t=2$.

I know that if $a=12-6t$.
Then $v=12t+3t^2+C$

You have been given the IVP:

$$a(t)=\d{v}{t}=12-6t$$ where $$v_0=8\frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}}$$

Another approach, would be to use the initial and final conditions (boundaries) as the limits of integration:

$$\int_{v_0}^{v(t)}\,du=\int_{t_0}^{t}12-6w\,dw$$

Now, we can choose to set the time at which the particle passes point $O$ as time $t=0$ and write:

$$\int_{8}^{v(t)}\,du=\int_{0}^{t}12-6w\,dw$$

Integrating, we find:

$$v(t)-8=12t-3t^2$$

Or:

$$v(t)=-3t^2+12t+8$$

Can you put together the IVP to find the position (displacement) function $x(t)$?
 
$$v\left(2\right)=20 \frac{m}{s}$$
Which is the answer to (i)

But how do we get displacement if we don't have $s=$
 
karush said:
$$v\left(2\right)=20 \frac{m}{s}$$
Which is the answer to (i)

But how do we get displacement if we don't have $s=$

We could let the initial position be 0, that is:

$$x(0)=0$$

But we don't have to...we could simply say $x(0)=x_0$, and then the displacement would be:

$$\Delta x=x(t)-x_0$$
 
Well then $s\left(t\right)=-{t}^{3}+6{t}^{2}+8t$
Since $C=0$
So $s\left(2\right)=32 $
 
What I would do is write:

$$v(t)=\d{x}{t}=-3t^2+12t+8$$

Use the boundaries as the limits, and replace the dummy variables:

$$\int_0^{x(t)}\,du=\int_0^t -3w^2+12w+8\,dw$$

Utilize the FTOC:

$$x(t)=-t^3+6t^2+8t$$

And so:

$$x(2)=-8+24+16=32$$

And this agrees nicely with your result. :)
 

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