Arrow's initial velocity (Force problem)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an arrow's initial velocity as it leaves a bow, specifically examining how changes in force affect the final speed when the distance of acceleration remains constant. The subject area includes kinematics and dynamics, focusing on the relationships between force, mass, acceleration, and velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of tripling the force on acceleration and final velocity, questioning how to relate these changes without knowing the time factor. Various kinematic equations are suggested, and attempts to eliminate variables are explored.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with participants providing insights into relevant kinematic equations and attempting to manipulate them to find relationships between the variables. Some participants express confusion about the number of variables involved, while others offer corrections and guidance on algebraic manipulations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the assumption that the distance over which the arrow is accelerated remains constant, which is critical to the problem setup. There is also a shift in focus towards a new question about a different scenario involving force and angle, indicating a broader exploration of related concepts.

thatgirlyouknow
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Homework Statement



An arrow, starting from rest, leaves the bow with a speed of 27.5 m/s. If the average force exerted on the arrow by the bow was increased 3 times and the arrow was accelerated over the same distance, then with what speed would the arrow leave the bow?

Homework Equations



F = ma, obviously. So if 3F = 3ma, then the acceleration would triple, because the mass of the arrow remains the same.

Vx=V0+at

The Attempt at a Solution



3*27.5 is wrong, so tripling the force doesn't automatically triple the initial velocity. I don't feel like I have enough information to work this problem, honestly.

Does anyone have any suggestions or help to offer?
 
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You're right that acceleration triples. But you don't know the time... you know the distance is the same in both situations.

There's another kinematics equation that's useful in this circumstance. hint: it doesn't have time in it.
 
So using v^2 = v0^2 + 2ax, should I find the final velocity the first time? Using that the acceleration triples could give:

v^2 = v0^2 + 6ax

And the first launch is v^2 = 27.5^2 + 2ax. The distance is the same, so if one solves for x and sets the equations equal you get:

(v^2-v0^2)/6a =( v^2-(27.5^2))/2a

But that's still too many variables to solve! How am I supposed to know the final velocity and/or acceleration?
 
In the first situation 27.5 is the final velocity. v0 = 0.
In the second situation, you're trying to calculate final velocity, and v0 = 0.

Write the two kinematics equations for the two situations... then try to see if you can eliminate a and x.

we're looking over the period in which the bow is accelerated... so the velocity with which the bow leaves, is the final velocity (at the end of the acceleration)
 
Well x is easily eliminated since it is the same in both equations. Solving for x and then setting the two equal to each other gives:

27.5^2/(2a) = v^2/(6a)

Rearranging and solving for v^2 gives:

2268.75a = v^2

But I'm still stuck with a, and have no idea where it could go or how to get rid of it.
 
thatgirlyouknow said:
Well x is easily eliminated since it is the same in both equations. Solving for x and then setting the two equal to each other gives:

27.5^2/(2a) = v^2/(6a)

Yes, exactly.

Rearranging and solving for v^2 gives:

2268.75a = v^2

No, you made a mistake in your algebra. You're almost there... :wink:
 
Oops, the a's cancel. My mistake.

So v = 47.63 m/s. Thank you so much! Problem solved. :D
 
thatgirlyouknow said:
Oops, the a's cancel. My mistake.

So v = 47.63 m/s. Thank you so much! Problem solved. :D

yup. that's the answer.

no prob. you're welcome.
 
Last edited:
I have different question;
What distance an arrow travel if I throw the arrow with 200N force and 20 degrees?
The mass of the arrow is 100 gr.
Please help,Thanks
 
Last edited:

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