Can't Identify Error in Calculation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around a kinematics problem where the initial velocity (vi) is zero, displacement (x) is 1000m, and time (Δt) is 5s. The user initially calculated the final velocity (vf) as 200 m/s and acceleration (a) as 40 m/s², but later derived an incorrect vf of 400 m/s using a different formula. Participants pointed out that using Δx/Δt yields average velocity, not final velocity, and suggested using the equation x = vi(t) + (1/2)at to correctly determine acceleration and then calculate vf. The consensus is that the user should apply the correct kinematic equations to resolve the discrepancies in their calculations.
RBF
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[Mentor's note: This thread was moved to the homework section from General Physics, so it doesn't use the template.]

Going over a basic kinematics problem with the prompt stating vi=0, x=1000m and Δt=5 and vf and a need to be solved using average v and a. Calculated vf=200ms and a=40m/s/s. But then I also calculated for the same variables using x=.5(Δv)t and all turned wonky and I can't figure out why. Solving for vf=(2)(1000m)(1/5) I get 400m/s. Any insight into what error(s) Iam making?
 
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Your first calculation looks to be wrong. Show more work on how you got to vf=200 m/s and a = 40m/s^2 and we will figure out where your error is.
 
I used Δx/Δt to get vf with my initial time and displacement set as 0. 1000m/5s=200m/s. I calculated average acceleration using a=(vf-vi)/(tf-ti) initals values both at 0 (200m/s)/5s to get a=40m/s/s.
 
RBF said:
I used Δx/Δt to get vf with my initial time and displacement set as 0. 1000m/5s=200m/s. I calculated average acceleration using a=(vf-vi)/(tf-ti) initals values both at 0 (200m/s)/5s to get a=40m/s/s.

Using Δx/Δt will give you the average velocity, not the final velocity. If the initial velocity is zero, the average velocity is 200 m/s, and the acceleration is constant, what is the final velocity?
 
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Not given, which made me rethink my approach. Should have used x=vi(t)+(1/2) at2 to solve for acceleration and then use that value for vf=vi+at.
 
RBF said:
Not given, which made me rethink my approach.

It doesn't need to be given. You should be able to figure it out given:
(1) Initial velocity = 0
(2) Average velocity = 200 m/s
(3) Acceleration is constant

Should have used x=vi(t)+(1/2) at2 to solve for acceleration and then use that value for vf=vi+at.

That's how I would have done it.
 
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