Easy-acceleration with unit vectors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the acceleration of a saucer using unit vectors, with given initial and final position and velocity vectors. The context involves kinematic equations and their application to vector components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to find the saucer's acceleration in both unit vector form and in terms of magnitude and direction. Questions are raised regarding the applicability of kinematic equations to vector components versus vectors themselves.

Discussion Status

Some participants have clarified that the kinematic equations provided are valid for each component of displacement, velocity, and acceleration. There is an acknowledgment of understanding among participants, but no explicit consensus on the final answers has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a repeated emphasis on the understanding of kinematic equations in the context of vector components, and participants are navigating the implications of this in their problem-solving efforts.

PEZenfuego
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Homework Statement



untitled.jpg


r1=(0m)
r2=(2000i + 1000j)m
v1=(200j)m/s
v2=(200i-100j)m/s

Homework Equations


tantheta=vy/vx

v2^2=v1^2+2ax
v2=v1+at
x2=x1+v1t+1/2at^2

The Attempt at a Solution



IMG_20120909_150513.jpg


Thank you for any help
 
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So what do we have to find??
 
find the saucer's acceleration in unit vectors and in terms of magnitude and direction.
 
PEZenfuego said:

Homework Statement



View attachment 50618

r1=(0m)
r2=(2000i + 1000j)m
v1=(200j)m/s
v2=(200i-100j)m/s

Homework Equations


tantheta=vy/vx

v2^2=v1^2+2ax
v2=v1+at
x2=x1+v1t+1/2at^2

The Attempt at a Solution



View attachment 50617

Thank you for any help
Are those kinematic equations for components of vectors, or for vectors themselves?
 
SammyS said:
Are those kinematic equations for components of vectors, or for vectors themselves?

If you click the first picture, you will have an understanding equal to mine. I'm sorry.
 
PEZenfuego said:
If you click the first picture, you will have an understanding equal to mine. I'm sorry.
Sorry for the slow response.

I should have been more direct with my earlier response.

The set of kinematic equations you have
(v2)2=(v1)2+2ax
(v2)=(v1)+at
x2=x1+(v1)t+1/2at2​
are valid for each component of displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

So you have two such sets of kinematic equations:
(v2)x2 = (v1)x2 + 2axx
(v2)x = (v1)x + axt
x2 = x1 + (v1)xt + 1/2axt2

(v2)y2 = (v1)y2 + 2ayy
(v2)y = (v1)y + ayt
y2 = y1 + (v1)yt + 1/2ayt2
​
 
SammyS said:
Sorry for the slow response.

I should have been more direct with my earlier response.

The set of kinematic equations you have
(v2)2=(v1)2+2ax
(v2)=(v1)+at
x2=x1+(v1)t+1/2at2​
are valid for each component of displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

So you have two such sets of kinematic equations:
(v2)x2 = (v1)x2 + 2axx
(v2)x = (v1)x + axt
x2 = x1 + (v1)xt + 1/2axt2

(v2)y2 = (v1)y2 + 2ayy
(v2)y = (v1)y + ayt
y2 = y1 + (v1)yt + 1/2ayt2
​

It makes sense now. thank you.
 
PEZenfuego said:
It makes sense now. thank you.
What did you get for answers?
 

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