Calculating Net External Force for a Cheetah's Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the net external force acting on a cheetah as it accelerates from rest to a specified speed over a given time. The subject area includes concepts of dynamics and kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of acceleration using the formula Vf=Vi + (a)t and the subsequent application of F=MA to find the net external force. There are questions regarding the accuracy of the calculated force and potential rounding errors.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to verify calculations and explore discrepancies in results. Some participants suggest that rounding may be a factor, while others express uncertainty about the correctness of the values used. There is mention of a possible error in the online homework system affecting the expected answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the online homework system may have inaccuracies, particularly regarding the conversion of speed units, which could influence the calculations being discussed.

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Homework Statement



An adult 68.0kg cheetah can accelerate from rest to 20.1 (45.0mph ) in 2.00 s.

Homework Equations



F=MA
Vf=Vi + (a)t

The Attempt at a Solution



Assuming constant acceleration, find the net external force causing this acceleration

i solved for the time using Vf=Vi + (a)t. i got acc=10.05

when i tried plugging in the 10.05 for the acceleration and times the mass it gave me 684N. Its coming up wrong and I don't know where I am messing up on
 
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When I multiply 68 by 10.05 I get 683.4. I would guess its just a rounding error.
 
Are you sure its 684. you are messing up with the calculations, i suppose.
 
yea actually did it would let you know if you where close but it says nothing about a rounding error
 
actually no the computer was wrong thanks for the help though it was a glitch in the computer it has 2.01m/s as 45mph so it takes the right answer to be 68.3N. Man that is why I really hate online hw. but thanks anyway
 

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