Calculating Acceleration and Work in a Changing Force System: A Graph Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a mass moving in a straight line under a net force that varies with displacement, as represented in a graph. The mass is given as 0.87 kg, and the net force is 4 Newtons. The discussion focuses on calculating acceleration, time taken for displacement, work done, speed at specific displacements, and impulse experienced during motion.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Newton's second law and kinematic equations to find acceleration, time, work, and speed. They express uncertainty about their calculations and seek verification.
  • Some participants suggest using the area under the force-displacement graph to find work and relate it to kinetic energy for determining final velocity.
  • Questions arise regarding the calculation of impulse and the implications of changing force on final speed.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various methods to approach the problem, including kinematic equations and graphical analysis. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between work and kinetic energy, but there is no explicit consensus on the final values or methods for all parts of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes uncertainty about their calculations and the implications of a changing force, which may affect the overall approach to finding final speed and impulse. There is also mention of an attachment pending approval, which may contain critical information for the problem.

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Homework Statement



This Question has a graph with it. (See Attachment)

An object of mass (m) moves in a straight line. The net force varies with the displacement. The mass starts at 0 meters and at 0 seconds.The mass goes a total distance of 20 meters. X1 is equal to 11 meters.

Mass --- .87kg
Net Force --- 4 Newtons
X1 --- 11 meters

Find the:
Acceleration of the object when its displacement is 11/3 meters?
The time taken for the object to be displaced from 0 to X1 (11 meters)?
Amount of work done by the net force in displacing the object from 0 to X1 (11 meters)?
The speed of the object at displacement X1 (11 meters)?
The final speed of the object at 20 meters?
The impulse experienced by the object as it is displaced from X1 to 20 meters (9 meters)?

Homework Equations



F=ma
Vf^2=Vo^2+2as
W=Fd

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure if I am doing this right, can someone make sure?

For the acceleration would it be ---- F=ma so --- 4N=.87kg(a) ---- a= 4.597m/sec

For the speed of the object at displacement X1 (11 meters) I used
Vf^2=Vo^2+2as ----- Vf^2=(0)+2(4.597m/s)(11meters) ---- Vf= 10.1 m/s

For the time I used --- t=d/(average velocity) ---- Average velocity= (initial+final/2) =
(0+10.1/2) = 5.05 m/s ? (I am not sure about this)... Then I put it into t=d/(average velocity) ----- t=(11 meters)/(5.05m/s) = 2.19 seconds? (check please)

For the work W=Fd ---- W=(4)(11) ---- 44J

I am not sure how to get the overall final speed of the mass because the force is changing at the end.

I have no idea how to do the impulse experienced by the object from X1 (11 meters) to 20 meters, I am not sure what the equation is.

Can you tell me if I am doing this correctly and how I should try to get the last two parts.

t_Physicsscanm_895193b.png
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Cannot see the picture.It says "Atachment pending approval".
 
I have the graph up now.
 
For time
[tex]x=v_0t+\frac{1}{2}at^2[/tex]

[tex]t=\sqrt{\frac{2x}{a}[/tex]

To find overall velocity:
Calculate the area under the graph.[tex]Area=\frac{1}{2}mv_f^2[/tex]

Impulse:

[tex]I=m(v_f-v_{x_1})[/tex]

[tex]v_f[/tex] is the velocity at x=20 m

[tex]v_{x_1}[/tex] is the velocity at x=11 m
 
Other solutions seems to be right.
 
I do not understand how the area under the graph could get me the final velocity, can anyone explain?
 
Because area under the F-x graph equals to work.Here work goes only for kinetic energy.
 
So is the final velocity 11.9 m/s
 
Yes,you're right!
 

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