Finding displacement and time from velocity and acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving uniform deceleration, where the original poster seeks to determine the time and displacement as an object decelerates from an initial velocity to rest. The subject area includes kinematics and the application of equations of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the equation Vf^2 = Vo^2 + 2a(displacement) to find displacement and questions the correctness of their approach. They also express confusion regarding the calculation of time using the equation 0 = 7.5 + (-5)(t).
  • Some participants question the validity of the original poster's chosen equations and suggest alternative equations that relate displacement to initial velocity, acceleration, and time.
  • There are discussions about the appropriateness of different formulas for calculating displacement and time, with participants exploring various approaches.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on the equations that could be used for displacement and time. There is no explicit consensus, but multiple interpretations and approaches are being explored, indicating a productive dialogue.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of adhering to forum rules regarding the provision of complete solutions, emphasizing the need for the original poster to engage in the problem-solving process themselves.

Jaycee
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Homework Statement


He decelerates uniformly at a rate of -5.00m/s^2 over from a velocity of 7.5m/s to rest. Find the time and displacement.

Homework Equations


Vf^2=Vo^2 + 2a(displacement)

The Attempt at a Solution


0=56.25+2(-5)x is this the right way to find displacement? Solving for the x?

For time would it be 0 = 7.5 + (-5)(t) which is 1.5? That doesn't really seem correct I'm confused.
 
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Jaycee said:
For time would it be 0 = 7.5 + (-5)(t) which is 1.5? That doesn't really seem correct I'm confused.
Why do you think it is not correct?
 
The time is done correctly. The displacement is not. That's because you chose the wrong equation. What is the equation that relates the displacement to the initial velocity, the acceleration, and the time?

Chet
 
Chestermiller said:
The time is done correctly. The displacement is not. That's because you chose the wrong equation. What is the equation that relates the displacement to the initial velocity, the acceleration, and the time?

Chet
Ok so if I did 1/2 (Vf + Vo)t would that be the correct one?
 
Orodruin said:
Why do you think it is not correct?
I don't really know it just seemed so short
 
Jaycee said:
Ok so if I did 1/2 (Vf + Vo)t would that be the correct one?
That would be OK to use. I was thinking more of ##V_0t+\frac{1}{2}at^2##, which would give the same answer.
 
Using this formula:
2a(\Delta x) = V_x^2 - V_0^2
Divide ## 2a ## to the other side
x - 0 = \frac{(0^2 - (7.5m/s)^2)}{(2(-5m/s^2))}
x = \frac {-56.25m^2/s^2}{-10m/s^2}
Units:
m = \frac {m^2}{s^2} * \frac{s^2}{m}
Left with meters:
x = 5.625m

As far as with your time, does it make sense that you're starting out at 7.5 m/s and when one decelerates at ##-5.0m/s^2##, it happens decently fast?
Using: ##V_x = a_xt + v_{0x}##
@ 0.5s, ##V_x## = 5m/s
##V_x = (-5m/s^2)*0.5s + 7.5m/s##​
@ 1s = 2.5 m/s
##V_x = (-5m/s^2)*0.5s + 7.5m/s##​
@ 1.5s = 0
##V_x = (-5m/s^2)*0.5s + 7.5m/s##​
 
Last edited:
@IntelvsAMD : Be careful about providing complete solutions to other's problems: it's against Physics Forum rules. You may give hints, suggestions, point out errors and so on, but the questioner must do their own homework and hopefully in the process learn how to do it themselves in future.
 
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