Calculating Particle Position with Constant Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the position of a particle under constant acceleration, specifically with the acceleration function a(t) = 3.0t m/s². The initial conditions include a velocity of v = 2.0 m/s and a position of x = 0 at t = 0. Participants are examining the validity of provided answer choices based on their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of the acceleration function to derive velocity and position functions. There are questions regarding the relevance of the provided equations and the correctness of the answer choices. Some participants express confusion over the similarity between two of the answer choices.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning the accuracy of the answer choices. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration process, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the answers provided.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern that the acceleration is not constant, which may affect the applicability of the equations being used. Additionally, there are indications that the professor may have made an error in the problem set.

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Homework Statement



A particle is accelerated according to a(t) = 3.0t m/s^2. What is the position of the particle if it starts out with v=2.0 m/s and x = 0 at t = 0.

Homework Equations



s(t)=1/2at^2 + volt + xo

The Attempt at a Solution



I took the integral of a(t) to get my v(t), and then took the integral of v(t) to get my x(t). None of my answers match with the given choices.

The possible answers according to this sheet are:

(a). x(t) = 3.0t^2 + 2.0t m
(b). x(t) = 3.0t^3 + 2.0t m
(c). x(t) = t^3 +2.0t m
 
Last edited:
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There being no difference whatsoever between answer a and answer b ?

By the way: what does your answer look like ?
 
Rybka said:

Homework Equations



s(t)=1/2at^2 + volt + xo

Note that this equation is not relevant to this problem since the acceleration is not constant in this problem.

The Attempt at a Solution



I took the integral of a(t) to get my v(t), and then took the integral of v(t) to get my x(t).

That sounds good.

None of my answers match with the given choices.

The possible answers according to this sheet are:

(a). x(t) = 3.0t^2 + 2.0t m
(b). x(t) = 3.0t^2 + 2.0t m
(c). x(t) = t^3 +2.0t m

I agree that none of these answers is correct.
 
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BvU said:
There being no difference whatsoever between answer a and answer b ?

Yeah, sorry. I fixed that.

Nonetheless, the professor seems to have made a mistake on this problem set.

Thanks guys!
 

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