Deriving v and a from a x(t)-function

  • Thread starter Thread starter astenroo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    deriving
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The position of a particle is defined by the function x(t) = A + Bt + Ct² + Dt³, with constants A = 4.0 m, B = 2.0 m/s, C = -3 m/s², and D = 1.0 m/s³. The velocity at t = 3s is calculated as v(t) = 3t² - 6t + 2, yielding an instantaneous velocity of 11 m/s. The acceleration at t = 3s is determined to be 12 m/s², while at t = 1s, the acceleration approaches 0 m/s² based on the limiting function. The units of the constants are confirmed as [A] = m, [B] = m/s, [C] = m/s², and [D] = m/s³.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically differentiation
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Knowledge of units of measurement in physics
  • Ability to interpret and sketch polynomial functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of differentiation in calculus
  • Learn about kinematic equations for motion analysis
  • Explore the concept of limits and their applications in physics
  • Investigate graphing techniques for polynomial functions
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, particularly those studying motion and dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of particle motion analysis.

astenroo
Messages
47
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi again folks! I just need confirmation on this, since I'm quite sure I've got it right. Anyway here it goes.

The position of a particle is given by the function x(t)= A + Bt + Ct² + Dt³. The values of the constants are the following: A= 4,0; B=2,0; C= -3 and D=1,0.
a) Give the units of the constants if [x]=m and [t]=s
b) What is the velocity and acceleration at t=3s?
c) Give an expression for the velocity v=v(t) and make a sketch for the time interval 0 to 3s
d) From the graph, give the acceleration at t=1s
e) Compute the acceleration at t=1s by examining the quota delta t / delta v for the time intervals delta t= 1,0s; 0,5s; 0,1s and 0,001s


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


a) since [x]=m and [t]=s, then [A]=m, = ms[tex]^{-1}[/tex], [C]= ms[tex]^{-2}[/tex] and [D]= ms[tex]^{-3}[/tex]
b) I differentiate once to get the expression for v, v=dx/dt = 3Dt² + 2 Ct + B which gives the instantaneous velocity (perhaps speed in this case) as 11 m/s. Differentiate a second time to get a, a=d²x/dt²= 6Dt + 2C which gives the acceleration at t=3s to be 12m/s²
c) The expression of v I got to be this (taking the constants into account) v= v(t) = 3t² - 6t + 2. this gives a parabola (or part of one) with its apex at v = -1 at t=1. So, the acceleration would be 0 m/s².
d) With limiting function and the given time intervals a approaches zero as delta t approaches zero

I'd really like confirmation on this one :) Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
They look correct to me.
 
rock.freak667 said:
They look correct to me.

Thank you :)
 

Similar threads

Replies
23
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
929
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
6K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K