Finding acceleration given position and time

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of an object moving in a straight line with constant acceleration, using position data collected at three different times. The relevant equations include V(t) = V = at, r(t) = r + v0t + 0.5at², and a = ΔV / Δt. The user initially struggled with the complexity of their approach but ultimately solved the problem. Participants confirmed the validity of the equations used and discussed the implications of changing reference points in physics calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically V(t) and r(t).
  • Familiarity with the concept of constant acceleration.
  • Basic knowledge of how to calculate changes in velocity (ΔV) and time (Δt).
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate position-time data.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of kinematic equations in physics.
  • Learn how to analyze motion graphs and their relationship to acceleration.
  • Explore the concept of reference frames in physics and their impact on calculations.
  • Investigate numerical methods for solving systems of equations in motion problems.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators looking for methods to teach acceleration concepts effectively.

agargento
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Homework Statement



An object is moving in a straight line with a constant acceleration. Its position is measured at three different times, as shown in the table below.
Time (s) | Position, (m)
48.40 | 9.100
49.80 | 17.479
51.20 | 32.816
Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration at t=49.80 s.

Homework Equations



V(t) = V=at
r(t)=r+v0t+0.5at2
a=ΔV / Δt

The Attempt at a Solution



20161126_175913.jpg


I started making a 3 equations system, but this got way more complex than I think it should, and way more complicated than we did in class... Is this even the right direction at solving this?

EDIT: sorry for the hassle, solved the question.
 
Last edited:
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Would you care to share your method and result?
 
Yes you can do it this way. There is another way to think about it, but it isn't really easier.

I looked where you wrote your 3 eqns and they look all right. I've never seen the notation of how you labeled these equations on the left side, but that's just a label. I would label those Vs as V0 to make it clear those are V0s. But everything looks right.

Let me ask you a question. If you took that first point and called it 0 would that change the physics?
 

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