Calculating Time for Mass to Reach Velocity with Applied Force

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To determine the time it takes for a mass to reach a specific velocity when a force is applied, Newton's second law can be used to find acceleration, which can then be integrated or applied through kinematic equations. The equation v_f = v_i + a t can be rearranged to isolate time as t = (v_f - v_i) / a. Alternatively, the impulse-momentum theorem, F Δt = m Δv, can also be utilized to derive time. It is emphasized that a solid understanding of basic algebra is essential for solving these physics problems effectively. Mastering the math will greatly enhance the ability to apply these concepts in physics.
Serj
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I want to know how to find the time it takes for a mass to reach a velocity if a force is applied to it.
 
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One way is to apply Newton's 2nd law to find the acceleration, then integrate--or apply kinematic equations--to find the time: v_f = v_i + a t.

Another (equivalent) way is to use the "impulse-momentum" theorem: F \Delta t = m \Delta v.
 
i'm terrible at math, can you isolate time on one side of the equation?
 
What equation are you using?
 
Vf=Vi + at
 
Serj said:
I want to know how to find the time it takes for a mass to reach a velocity if a force is applied to it.

Note that there is no mention of a constant force being applied here.

Zz.
 
Serj said:
Vf=Vi + at

t = \frac{v_f - v_i}{a}

Make note of what ZapperZ said, though.
 
Serj said:
i'm terrible at math, can you isolate time on one side of the equation?
cscott has done this for you, but you won't get very far with physics if you don't first brush up on elementary algebra. I strongly recommend you learn the math first.
 

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