Determine the acceleration and position of the bullet

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the acceleration and position of a bullet as it travels down a rifle barrel, using the velocity equation v = (-4.80 × 107) t2 + (2.45 × 105) t. The acceleration function derived is a(t) = -9.6 × 107 t + 2.45 × 105. The position function, calculated as the integral of velocity, is given as s(t) = -16,000,000 t3 + 122,500 t2. The user initially struggled with significant figures, which led to errors in their calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically integration and differentiation.
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations in physics.
  • Knowledge of significant figures and their importance in scientific calculations.
  • Ability to work with scientific notation in mathematical expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of calculus, focusing on integration techniques.
  • Study kinematic equations and their applications in projectile motion.
  • Practice problems involving significant figures in scientific calculations.
  • Learn about the implications of velocity and acceleration in real-world physics scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and calculus, as well as educators looking for examples of integrating velocity functions to find displacement.

pooker
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement





The speed of a bullet as it travels down the barrel of a rifle toward the opening is given by v = (-4.80 107) t 2 + (2.45 105) t, where v is in meters per second and t is in seconds. The acceleration of the bullet just as it leaves the barrel is zero.
(a) Determine the acceleration and position of the bullet as a function of time when the bullet is in the barrel. (Use t as necessary and round all numerical coefficients to exactly 3 significant figures.)



The Attempt at a Solution




acceleration = -9.6*10^7t + 2.45 * 10^5

position of bullet with as a function of time = -16000000t^3 + 122500t^2



I am getting the second one wrong and I do not know why. Displacement is the integral of velocity but it keeps saying I am wrong. I have tried using scientific notation, and a variety of other things, but always get it wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


nvm I got it. I didn't use significant figures
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
13K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
12K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
9K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
13K