Calculating Velocity w/ Acceleration & Initial Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the velocity of an object given a time-dependent acceleration function, a(t) = 6t, and an initial velocity of 9 m/s. Participants explore the relationship between acceleration and velocity, particularly in the context of integrating acceleration to find velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of the acceleration function to derive the velocity function, questioning whether a(t) can be treated as a constant and exploring the implications of non-constant acceleration.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to derive the velocity function. Some participants have provided guidance on the necessity of integration, while others express uncertainty about alternative methods without integration. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that integration has not yet been covered in their coursework, which raises questions about the feasibility of deriving the velocity without it. There is also a mention of the initial condition v0=9 m/s, which is relevant to the discussion.

farukh
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1. Given acceleration of an object is given by

a(t) = 6t

and the intial velocity is 9 m/s





2. the general form we learned is

v(t) = -at + v0




3. so i guess

v(t) = -6t^2 + 9

is that right ? can i substitute 6t for a ... or a(t) doesn't equal a
 
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What are you trying to achieve? There is no question.
 
In order to obtain a formula for velocity, you would need to integrate the expression for acceleration.
 
ok basicaly my question is does

a(t) = a

?

because the equation is v(t) = -at + v0
and if a(t)=6t then is this right v(t) = -6tt + v0
 
Well, firstly the equation is v=v0+at. Note that this equation only holds for constant acceleration. Here, your acceleration is 6t (i.e. not constant), so in order to derive the equation for velocity, you must integrate the expression for acceleration, using the initial condition v0=9

So, no, your equation is not right!
 
ok i just figured it out how to do the solutions with integration

v(t) = integral 6t
v(t) = 3t^2 + c
9 = 3(0)^2 + c
9 = c

v(t) = 3t^2 + 9

but is there any way to do this without using integration because we haven't learned integration yet..
 
Last edited:
Your equation is still wrong. Acceleration is 6t, so you want to integrate this. Your method is correct, you just need to use the correct expression for a.

I can't think of a way to find the velocity without using integration, but I may be overlooking something!
 
:) now i think its ok
 
Are you asking what is the acceleration if the initial velocity is 9m/s?
 
  • #10
farukh said:
:) now i think its ok

Yup, that looks fine now.

Kurdt said:
Are you asking what is the acceleration if the initial velocity is 9m/s?

No, he wanted a general formula for the velocity, given that the acceleration is a=6t, and subject to the initial condition v0=9
 
  • #11
How to do this problem without integration? Hmm I don't see how that would work...actually I vaugely remember some really fat long painful way that even takes into account the Earth changing gravity at different altitudes, but even that need differentiation.
 

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