Calculating distance from acceleration as function of speed

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the displacement (d) of a plane as it accelerates towards lift-off velocity, using the equation a = a0 - kv², where a0 represents constant acceleration and -kv² accounts for air resistance. The correct formula for displacement derived from this equation is d = -ln(1 - kv² / a0) / 2k. Participants emphasize the importance of isolating velocity to facilitate integration, which is crucial for solving the problem effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations and concepts of acceleration.
  • Knowledge of air resistance modeling in physics.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study integration techniques in calculus, focusing on logarithmic functions.
  • Explore kinematic equations in physics to understand motion under variable acceleration.
  • Research air resistance modeling and its impact on object motion.
  • Practice solving differential equations related to motion and acceleration.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of motion under acceleration and resistance.

Andrew97
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I'm trying to calculate the displacement d of a plane as it accelerates towards lift-off velocity.
The acceleration is given by the function a = a0 - kv2 where a0 is the constant acceleration from the plane's engine and the term -kv2 is caused by air resistance.

I can't seem to find a way to integrate the equation above so that I get the plane's velocity nor it's displacement.

The answer is meant to be:
d = - ln (1 - kv2 / a0 ) / 2k
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello Andrew, :welcome:

This homework (*) ? For the first step click 'show' here

(*) PF rules are rather strict on this. Need to use the template and show an attempt at solution and such.
 
BvU said:
Hello Andrew, :welcome:

This homework (*) ? For the first step click 'show' here

(*) PF rules are rather strict on this. Need to use the template and show an attempt at solution and such.

Ah, yes sorry I did not know.

I kept getting stuck because I tried moving over the velocity to the left side of the equation, and since a=dv/dt I could move over dt and integrate both sides, however I did not find a way to isolate v on the left side of the equation.

The link you sent me made me realize that the mistake I was making was that I should have divided both sides of the equation by the entire right side so that the velocity exists only on the left side of the equation allowing me to integrate both sides and proceed to solve the problem. Thank you.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 95 ·
4
Replies
95
Views
7K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K