Does Acceleration Vary with Time?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the acceleration of a particle described by the position function C1 + C2t + C3t², with specific values for C1, C2, and C3. Participants confirm that the acceleration is constant, but there is confusion regarding the correct input format for the answer in Lon-Capa. One user calculated an acceleration of -0.76 m/s², but faced rejection from the system. The conversation highlights the importance of input precision in online platforms, suggesting that minor differences in formatting could lead to errors. The resolution of the issue remains uncertain, emphasizing the need for clarity in problem-solving approaches.
chaotixmonjuish
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The position of a particle as a function of time (in s) is given by C1 + C2t + C3t2. Let C1 = 12.1 m, C2 = 14.9 m/s and C3 = -0.38 m/s2.



I was able to solve the first question, which was asking for the velocity at T=11.0 seconds. However, I don't understand how to solve this part of the question:

What is the particle's acceleration at time t = 11.0 s?

I thought acceleration was a constant? I tried punching the constant into Lon-capa, but it said the answer was wrong.
 
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chaotixmonjuish said:
The position of a particle as a function of time (in s) is given by C1 + C2t + C3t2. Let C1 = 12.1 m, C2 = 14.9 m/s and C3 = -0.38 m/s2.



I was able to solve the first question, which was asking for the velocity at T=11.0 seconds. However, I don't understand how to solve this part of the question:

What is the particle's acceleration at time t = 11.0 s?

I thought acceleration was a constant? I tried punching the constant into Lon-capa, but it said the answer was wrong.

Yes, acceleration turns out to be constant. What number did you get for the acceleration?
 
I got something like -.76 for my acceleration. However Lon-capa rejects it.
 
chaotixmonjuish said:
I got something like -.76 for my acceleration. However Lon-capa rejects it.

Yeah, -0.76 is the right answer.

Is the question exactly as you posted it?
 
That's is the question.
 
chaotixmonjuish said:
That's is the question.

Hmmm... I'm not familiar with Lon-Capa... maybe something about the way you entered it? Did you enter it as -0.76 or -.76 ?

Would that make a difference?

I really don't know. :(
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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