Calculating Velocity and Displacement Using Acceleration Formula | Train Example

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The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity and displacement of a train given its acceleration formula, a = 2t m/s², during the time interval from t = 2 s to t = 4 s. The initial velocity at t = 2 s is specified as 180 km/h. To determine the velocity at t = 4 s, participants are advised to approach the problem using integral calculus, integrating the acceleration to find the velocity function and then integrating the velocity to find the displacement. This method emphasizes the importance of calculus over traditional kinematics equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus
  • Familiarity with the concepts of velocity and acceleration
  • Knowledge of the relationship between displacement, velocity, and time
  • Ability to convert units (e.g., km/h to m/s)
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  • Learn how to integrate functions to find velocity from acceleration
  • Study the process of integrating velocity to determine displacement
  • Explore unit conversion techniques, specifically converting km/h to m/s
  • Review calculus applications in physics, focusing on motion analysis
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Students and professionals in physics, engineering, and mathematics who are looking to deepen their understanding of motion analysis using calculus, particularly in scenarios involving variable acceleration.

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I'm a little stuck on this:

Suppose that the acceleration of a train during the interval of time from t=2 s to t=4 s is a=2t m/s^2, and at t=2 s its velocity is 180km/h

Using formulas: Velocity v=ds/dt and acceleration a =dv/dt, determine:

(a) the train’s velocity at t=4 s,

and;

(b) the displacement (change in position) from time t=2 s to t= 4 s



I should really be able to do this but for some reason my mind has frozen so I was hoping for some help or some nudges in the right direction!

Thanks in advance!
 
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MagMag said:
I'm a little stuck on this:

Suppose that the acceleration of a train during the interval of time from t=2 s to t=4 s is a=2t m/s^2, and at t=2 s its velocity is 180km/h

Using formulas: Velocity v=ds/dt and acceleration a =dv/dt, determine:

(a) the train’s velocity at t=4 s,

and;

(b) the displacement (change in position) from time t=2 s to t= 4 s



I should really be able to do this but for some reason my mind has frozen so I was hoping for some help or some nudges in the right direction!

Thanks in advance!

Given the way the question is asked, you should approach this as a calculus problem rather than a physics problem, so disregard the typical kinematics equations.

You are given a = 2t and a = dv/dt, so it follows that dv/dt = 2t. You are also given the interval of t = 2 to t = 4. Knowing the basics of integral calculus, how do you find the equation for V? (don't forget to add in the initial velocity)

Once you get the equation for V, and given that V = ds/dt, how do you find an equation for distance travelled?
 

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