Calculating Velocity and Acceleration Using Unit Vector Notation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating velocity and acceleration using unit vector notation, specifically from a given position vector expression. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the lack of a time variable in the problem setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of the position function to find velocity and acceleration, questioning the absence of a time variable in the provided expression. Some express uncertainty about the implications of the position being constant.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the problem setup and questioning whether sufficient information is provided. Some guidance on differentiation has been offered, but no consensus has been reached regarding the interpretation of the position vector.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the variable "m," which was clarified to represent meters, not time. Participants are considering whether an error was made in the problem's presentation.

UNDEAD WAFFLE
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Unit Vector notation??

The vector position of a particle varies in time according to the expression r = (3.0i +6.0j)m

Find expressions for velocity and acceleration as functions of time.


I have NO IDEA HOW TO DO THIS.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Does the variable m stand for time in this problem..? Do you know how to differentiate? Velocity is the position function's rate of change, and acceleration is the velocity function's rate of change.
 


206PiruBlood said:
Does the variable m stand for time in this problem..? Do you know how to differentiate? Velocity is the position function's rate of change, and acceleration is the velocity function's rate of change.

m was meters, what confused me was that there was no variable given for time, by standard we use "t" in class and this position vector had no variable for time so I couldn't differentiate :/ Do you think maybe my teacher made an error typing the worksheet? I don't think there is enought information given only that position vector.
 


Well I guess technically the velocity and acceleration are zero if your position is a constant. Seems odd that you would be asked that though.
 


Yeah, thank you for your help, I agree lol
 

Similar threads

Replies
26
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
916
Replies
26
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K