Challenging Find maximum deceleration and speed (not max)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing a differential equation related to motion, specifically focusing on maximum deceleration and speed. The equation given is $$\frac{d^2s}{dt^2}=-Ae^{s/B}\biggl(\frac{ds}{dt}\biggr)^2$$, where A and B are constants, and the context suggests a relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration as the position approaches negative infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use a substitution for velocity and manipulate the given equation to find maximum deceleration. They express confusion regarding their results not aligning with the expected outcome. Another participant questions the assumption that maximum acceleration occurs at s = -∞ and suggests that differentiation may be necessary to determine maximum values.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. There is an indication that guidance has been offered regarding the need for differentiation to find maximum values, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted issues with formatting in their posts, which may affect the clarity of the mathematical expressions being discussed. There is also an implicit assumption regarding the behavior of the system as s approaches negative infinity that is under scrutiny.

mia2
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Homework Statement


Given $$\frac{d^2s}{dt^2}=-Ae^{s/B}\biggl(\frac{ds}{dt}\biggr)^2$$ Show that maximum deceleration (where [itex]A,B[/itex] are constants, [itex]v=v_0[/itex], and [itex]s=-\infty[/itex]) is [itex]\frac{v_0^2}{2eB}[/itex].

Use the substitution [itex]v=\frac{ds}{dt}[/itex].

Homework Equations


See above.


The Attempt at a Solution


Using the substitution, I get [itex]\frac{d^2s}{dt^2}=-Ae^{s/B}(v)^2[/itex]. Furthermore, using [itex]v=v_0[/itex] and [itex]s=-\infty[/itex] and using the original function, I get [itex]v=e^{-ABe^{s/B}}v_0[/itex]. Combining these two equations, I get
$$\frac{d^2s}{dt^2}=-Ae^{(s/B)-(2ABe^{s/B})}v_0^2$$.
With [itex]s=-\infty[/itex], I end up with:
$$\frac{-Av_0^2}{e^{2AB}}$$, which isn't what's given in the problem. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.
 
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Your Latex came out garbled. Try hitting the Preview button before you post to make sure everything formats properly.
 
SteamKing said:
Your Latex came out garbled. Try hitting the Preview button before you post to make sure everything formats properly.

Ok, I've fixed it now. Do you have any suggestions for my physics problem?
 
mia2 said:
$$\frac{d^2s}{dt^2}=-Ae^{(s/B)-(2ABe^{s/B})}v_0^2$$.
With [itex]s=-\infty[/itex], I end up with:
$$\frac{-Av_0^2}{e^{2AB}}$$, which isn't what's given in the problem. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Why do you think acceleration is maximum at ##s=-\infty##? I don't see how you can find a maximum only by inspection. You will have to differentiate the acceleration function and set the derivative to zero.
 

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