Distance as function of velocity

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the relationship between distance and velocity, specifically focusing on the equation for acceleration as a function of velocity and terminal velocity. Participants are tasked with finding the function x(v) based on the provided acceleration equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the interpretation of the acceleration equation and its dimensions, with some questioning the validity of the original equation. There are attempts to derive x(v) from the relationship between acceleration and velocity, with one participant suggesting the use of inverse functions to relate time and velocity.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and clarifying misunderstandings. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration process and the relationship between variables, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the definitions and dimensions of the variables involved, particularly concerning the acceleration term and its implications for the problem setup.

E&M
Messages
35
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Given that a = -g[1+(v/vt)2]

where,
v = velocity of an object
vt = terminal velocity
find x(v)

Homework Equations



v = dx/dt

The Attempt at a Solution



i started from a = dv/dt = dv/dx . dx/dt. but could not go to x(v)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
If 'g' is meant to be acceleration due to gravity, then I should point out that the right hand side of your equation for v doesn't have dimensions of velocity.

Anyway, to solve for x(v), notice that if you have v(t), then you should be able to figure out its inverse function t(v). That way, once you have solved for x(t) by integrating, you can substitute t(v) into it in order to get x(t(v)) = x(v).
 
oh yeah my bad. It's v_dot, or acceleration.
 
E&M said:

The Attempt at a Solution



i started from a = dv/dt = dv/dx . dx/dt. but could not go to x(v)
Need a bit more detail of what you did. So you had

v \frac{dv}{dx} = -g[1+(v/v_t)^2]

Then what?
 
at this point, i think i can ignore v. dv/dx and simply write a = dv/dt. I integrated after that which gave me an expression for v.

v = -gt - g/(vt)2 \intv2dt

b/c terminal velocity is a constant, i pulled it out of the integral.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
9K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
31
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K