Distance as function of velocity

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around deriving the distance function x(v) from the given acceleration equation a = -g[1+(v/vt)²]. Participants clarify that acceleration is represented as a = dv/dt = dv/dx * dx/dt, and emphasize the need to find the inverse function t(v) to integrate and obtain x(t). One contributor points out that the right side of the velocity equation lacks dimensions of velocity, indicating a potential issue. They suggest integrating the expression for velocity after simplifying the equation, leading to a solution involving terminal velocity as a constant. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly interpreting the variables and integrating to find the desired distance function.
E&M
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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)
 
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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.
 
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