Did i do this f=ma problem right

  • Thread starter Thread starter vande060
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    F=ma
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the velocity of a body with a given mass under the influence of a specified force over a time interval. The subject area pertains to dynamics, specifically Newton's second law of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Newton's second law to find acceleration and subsequently velocity. Some participants question the expression of the final answer, noting the distinction between speed and velocity.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided feedback on the original poster's calculations, with some affirming the correctness of the approach while others emphasize the importance of expressing the final answer as a vector rather than just a magnitude.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the difference between speed and velocity, which has been addressed in the discussion.

vande060
Messages
180
Reaction score
0
1. Homework Statement

A body of mass m = 10 kg initially at rest has force F = 20Ni + 30Nj applied to it. Find its velocity at t = 3 s




f=ma



3. The Attempt at a Solution

m(ai,aj) = (20i,30j

m*ai= 20N

m*aj = 30N

ai = 2*m/s^2

aj = 3*m/s^2

to find the velocities of each of the vectors i used dimensional analysis:

vi = (2*m/s^2) * (3*s) = 6m/s
vj = (3*m/s^2) * (3*s) = 9m/s

to find the complete velocity, i now calculate the magnitude of the vectors by the equation:

v = √( vx^2 + vy^2)

v=√(6^2 + 9^2)


v= 10.9 m/s <--- is that right?

 
Physics news on Phys.org
yes that is correct.
 
You have the right idea, except that your final answer is not expressed as a vector. They did ask for velocity, and not for the speed.
 
Yes, velocity is the vector you got initially: [itex]6\vec{i}+ 9\vec{j}[/math] m/s. It is not necessary to find the magnitude- that is the speed.[/itex]
 
Redbelly98 said:
You have the right idea, except that your final answer is not expressed as a vector. They did ask for velocity, and not for the speed.

thanks i never knew the difference between speed and velocity, now i do!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
26
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K