Classical mechanics: Force versus time graph

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a classical mechanics problem involving a particle of mass 4.0 kg moving along the x-axis under the influence of a variable force. The original poster seeks to determine the first time after t=0 when the particle comes to a stop, given its initial velocity of -3 m/s.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between impulse and the area under the Force vs Time curve. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to proceed without a defined force function. Others suggest formulating the force as a function of time across different intervals and calculating the area under the curve to find the stopping time.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the implications of the area under the Force vs Time curve and its relation to impulse. There is a recognition of the need to calculate specific areas to determine the stopping time, with some participants offering guidance on how to approach the problem based on the areas calculated.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's limited experience with calculus, which may influence their understanding of the problem. The discussion includes various interpretations of the force function over time and the areas involved in the calculations.

REVIANNA
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Homework Statement


force_vs_time_graph.png

A particle of mass m=4.0 kg is moving along the x-axis. The particle is being acted upon by a variable single force F⃗ , directed along the x-axis. At t=0 s, the particle is moving at v_0=−3 m/s.

What is the first time t>0 when the particle comes to a stop momentarily?

The Attempt at a Solution


because I know the initial velocity ,I know the initial momentum and I know the final momentum too(as the particle stops temporarily) but the force is variable otherwise I would have equated change in momentum to the impulse imparted.and found the time t.

what should I do?
 
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What does area under a Force vs Time curve represent?
 
gneill said:
What does area under a Force vs Time curve represent?

it represents impulse.

##mv_f-mv_i=J##
##0-m(-3)=∫F. dt##
 
REVIANNA said:
it represents impulse.

##mv_f-mv_i=J##
##0-m(-3)=∫F. dt##
So you'll have to calculate the value of t at which the area of the curve becomes 12.
 
Last edited:
cnh1995 said:
So you'll have to calculate the value of t at which the area of the curve becomes 12.

how will I do it? I don't have the force as a fn of time.
 
REVIANNA said:
I don't have the force as a fn of time.
You do.
ses.edx.org%2Fasset-v1%3AMITx%2B8.MechCx_2%2B2T2015%2Btype%40asset%2Bblock%2Fforce_vs_time_graph.png

First you need to formulate F as a function of time between various intervals.
 
cnh1995 said:
you need to formulate F as a function of time between various intervals.

you mean from 0 to 1 sec its 2.5
from 1 to 4 its 12

but the answer is 3.375
 
REVIANNA said:
answer is 3.375
Indeed it is. That's the final answer.
REVIANNA said:
you mean from 0 to 1 sec its 2.5
from 1 to 4 its 12
No. From t=0 to t=1, what is F(t) and so on..
 
cnh1995 said:
Indeed it is. That's the final answer.

No. From t=0 to t=1, what is F(t) and so on..
Ok right, if you are talking in terms of areas directly..
 
  • #10
cnh1995 said:
if you are talking in terms of areas directly..

area under the f/t curve is all I know what else are you saying.also I am fairly new to calculus
 
  • #11
REVIANNA said:
you mean from 0 to 1 sec its 2.5
from 1 to 4 its 12
Ok. So, from 0 to 4, the area is 14.5. So, t must be between 1 to 4. Agree? Because total area is 12 and out of that, 2.5 is already in between 0 to 1.
 
  • #12
cnh1995 said:
Ok. So, from 0 to 4, the area is 14.5. So, t must be between 1 to 4. Agree?

yes totally because of the areas.
 
  • #13
REVIANNA said:
yes totally because of the areas.
So, from t=1 to t=4, you need to find at what value of t will the area be 9.5(i.e. 12-2.5). Can you do it?
 
  • #14
REVIANNA said:
yes totally because of the areas.
You know its a rectangle from t=1 to t=4. You know the height. I believe the answer is in plain sight. Good luck..
 
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  • #15
cnh1995 said:
answer is in plain sight

##∫F.dt+F_c(t-1)=-mv_i##
(the integral is form t=0 to t=1) (c means const)
## 2.5+4(t-1)=-4*(-3)##
##t=3.375##

@cnh1995
thank you
 
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