Car passing two markers, kinematics question

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    Car Kinematics
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving a car passing two markers and calculating velocities and acceleration. Participants are exploring different methods to verify their calculations and reasoning related to motion equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating time differences and velocities using various kinematic equations. Some question the correctness of methods used, while others suggest alternative approaches, such as using average velocity.

Discussion Status

There is a mix of agreement on the methods proposed, with some participants confirming the correctness of the original poster's approach. Alternative methods are being discussed, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of verifying their answers and exploring different kinematic equations without providing final solutions. There is an emphasis on checking assumptions and calculations based on given time and position differences.

orangegalaxies
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Homework Statement
A car accelerates at 1.80m/s2 along a straight road. It passes two marks that are 28.1m apart at times t=3.75s and t=5.00s. What was the car's velocity at t=0?
Relevant Equations
d = V1t + 0.5at^2
V2 = V1 + at
i calculated the time difference between each marker, and using the first equation, i solved for V1.
i then used this V1 as V2, time as the first marker (3.75) and used the second equation to solve for V1.

is this method correct? can somebody please verify?
 
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looks right.
 
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Yes, your method seems correct to me too.
 
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Delta2 said:
Yes, your method seems correct to me too.
that's a relief! would you please mind sharing your answer with me so i can verify mine?
 
orangegalaxies said:
that's a relief! would you please mind sharing your answer with me so i can verify mine?
Using the average velocity is another way to solve this problem.
 
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PeroK said:
Or, you could use ##d = \frac 1 2 at^2## and get an equation for ##a## in terms of the difference in positions and difference in times that you are given.
14.605 m/s?
 
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orangegalaxies said:
14.605 m/s?
Bingo!
 
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orangegalaxies said:
14.605 m/s?
The other approach is that average speed between the markers is ##22.48 m/s## (which is ##28.1m## in ##1.25s##), which (for constant acceleration) must equate to the speed at the middle time ##4.375s##.

Then, you can get ##v_0## from this and the acceleration.
 
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