Comparison of velocity at the end of distance

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two carts, A and B, with equal masses traveling equal distances on frictionless tracks while subjected to different forces. The objective is to determine the relationship between their final velocities after traveling the same distance, given that cart A experiences a force F and cart B experiences a force 2F.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations of acceleration and final velocities based on the forces applied. There are questions about the directions of the forces and the validity of the multiple-choice answers provided. Some participants suggest generalizing the calculations or considering energy principles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and verifying calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding generalizing the approach, but no consensus on the correct answer has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster using random questions for practice, which may imply a lack of context or constraints typically found in structured homework assignments.

gijungkim
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Homework Statement


Carts A and B have equal masses and travel equal distances D on side-by-side straight frictionless tracks while a constant force F acts on A and a constant force 2F acts on B. Both carts start from rest. The velocities vA and vB of the bodies at the end of distance D are related by

a.vB = vA.

b.vB = vA.

c.vB = 2 vA.

d.vB = 4 vA.

e.vA = 2vB.

Homework Equations


F = ma
x = volt + 0.5 at^2
Vf = Vo + at

The Attempt at a Solution


Answer is B but I have no clue why
First, I just picked a random number to make it easier. I picked acceleration of 2m/s^2 for A and 4m/s^2 for B (since it has twice more force than A)
and I picked x as 1m
Then I'll get
1 = 0 + 0.5 * 2 * t^2, t = 1 for A
1 = 0 + 0.5 * 4 * t^2, t = 0.707 for B
If I plug this into Vf = V0 + at
Vf = 2 for A
Vf = 2.83 for B...
To me vB = vA doesn't make sense.. Can anyone help me
 
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Was there any information given regarding the directions of the forces?
 
Answers a. and b. are the same. Are you sure b. isn't something else?

Your calculations are correct. Can you see a way to generalise them to get the answer?
 
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TSny said:
Was there any information given regarding the directions of the forces?
That is exactly what question stated. I copied and pasted it.
 
PeroK said:
Answers a. and b. are the same. Are you sure b. isn't something else?

Your calculations are correct. Can you see a way to generalise them to get the answer?
Probably the answer is wrong haha I'm just using random questions from the internet to practice so.
 
gijungkim said:
Probably the answer is wrong haha I'm just using random questions from the internet to practice so.

It would be good practice to get the answer for this without multiple choice.

You could generalise the calculations you've already done. Or you could consider energy.
 
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PeroK said:
It would be good practice to get the answer for this without multiple choice.

You could generalise the calculations you've already done. Or you could consider energy.
Is the answer V2 = sqrt 2 * V1 ?
 
gijungkim said:
Is the answer V2 = sqrt 2 * V1 ?

It is!
 
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PeroK said:
It is!
Thank you! :)
 

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