Finding equation of the position

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of position for a particle based on a velocity versus time graph. The original poster presents a series of questions related to the particle's motion, including determining its position at specific times and calculating distance and displacement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between velocity and position, with some suggesting the use of integration to find displacement from the velocity graph. There are questions about the correct setup of the equations and the role of constants in integration.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different methods to derive the position equation. Some have provided insights on integrating the velocity function, while others express confusion about initial conditions and constants of integration. There is no explicit consensus yet, but productive dialogue is occurring.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions specific values and conditions, such as initial position and velocity, which are critical to the problem but may not be fully clarified in the discussion. There are also references to the graph that is not visible in the thread, which may affect interpretations.

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Homework Statement


hi everyone ,, this is my last question before exam :

1) The figure shows the velocity versus time graph. If a particle starts motion at t=0.0
from x0 = 10.0 m:
a) Write the equation describing the position of the particle as a function of time t.
b) What are the positions of the particle at t= 2 s and t = 4 s.?
c) What is the position of the particle at the instant when it momentarily stops?
d) Find the distance and displacement of the particle between t = 2 s and t = 5 s.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know that a=0 ,, and at t=0 > x=10m and at the same time Vo=12 m/s ,, and the velocity is decreasing so I made this equation :x=10-12t but the problem at t=0 Vo=0 and when I apply x(3) I don't get 18m which it's what i have to get by the graph .. can someone tell me what to do to get the equation ..?
 

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Consider how you find displacement from a velocity time graph.

If V = dX/dt, then isn't

X = ∫ V dt ?

And if you integrate V on your graph, what is the easiest way to do that?

Can you think of something that rhymes with area?
 
LowlyPion said:
Consider how you find displacement from a velocity time graph.

If V = dX/dt, then isn't

X = ∫ V dt ?

And if you integrate V on your graph, what is the easiest way to do that?

Can you think of something that rhymes with area?
I didn't understand you quite well ,, I tried by doing X = ∫ V dt from x(0,3) x=18 and i get v=6 m/s ,, and from x(0,5) v=2 m/s but the problem is at x(0,0) I should get x=10 and I don't get it,, V changes ...
 
Lord Dark said:
I didn't understand you quite well ,, I tried by doing X = ∫ V dt from x(0,3) x=18 and i get v=6 m/s ,, and from x(0,5) v=2 m/s but the problem is at x(0,0) I should get x=10 and I don't get it,, V changes ...

Xo is the constant of integration isn't it?
 
yea Xo is constant ,, should I include it in the integral or X = Xo + ∫ V dt ??
and BTW when i integrate ∫ V dt ,, I'll get Vt right ??
 
Lord Dark said:
yea Xo is constant ,, should I include it in the integral or X = Xo + ∫ V dt ??

V(t) = 12 - 4t isn't it?

So ∫ V(t) dt = ∫ (12 - 4t) dt = X(t)

That means that X(t) = 12t - 1/2*4*t2 + C

Where C = Xo
 
aha ,, so that what you meant X = ∫ V ,, I didn't know that first I should get V(t) equation then integrate .. thanks very much :D
 
Lord Dark said:
aha ,, so that what you meant X = ∫ V ,, I didn't know that first I should get V(t) equation then integrate .. thanks very much :D

You can also solve through visual inspection, by simply calculating the area under the curve. Each square represents 4 m.
 

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