F(t) as it relates to v(t) and x(t)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between force, velocity, and position for an object subjected to a time-dependent force described by F(t) = F₀ cos(ωt). Participants are exploring how to derive the expressions for velocity v(t) and position x(t) given initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of the force equation to find velocity and position functions. Questions arise regarding the constants of integration and how to apply initial conditions correctly.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing derivations and others questioning the correctness of constants used in the integration process. There is an active exploration of the implications of initial conditions on the integration constants.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the force function is accurately defined and are attempting to apply standard calculus techniques to solve the problem. There is a noted confusion regarding the integration constants and their relation to initial conditions.

Tonyt88
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Starting at t = 0, an object of mass m is subject to a force

F(t) = F nought cos omega t

If the initial speed and position are v nought and x nought, find v(t) and x(t), any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Well, now you got to solve

\frac{dv}{dt}=\frac{F_0}{m}\cos(\omega t)

That's easy. What is the function whose derivative is cos?
 
Okay, so this is how it worked out for me:

dv = (F0/m) cos(ωt) dt

v = (F0/mω) sin(ωt) + C
v(t) = (F0/mω) sin(ωt) + v0
dx =[ (F0/mω) sin(ωt) + v0 ] dt
x = -(F0/mω2) cos(ωt) + v0t + x0

x(t) = -(F0/mω2) cos(ωt) + v0t + x0

Does that make sense?
 
You went a little too fast. After integrating

dx =[ (F0/mω) sin(ωt) + v0 ] dt

you get

x = -(F0/mω²) cos(ωt) + v0t + C

But plugging x(0)= x_0 does not give C=x_0 because cos(0)=1.
 
Oh, oops, so then C = x_0 + (F_0/mω²) ?
 

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