Finding the acceleration at any time

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the relationship between displacement \( s \) and velocity \( v \) given by the equation \( \frac{1}{3}s^2 - 4v^2 = 12 \). The task is to find the acceleration \( a \) at any time, which requires understanding the derivatives of displacement and velocity in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between displacement, velocity, and acceleration, noting that velocity is the derivative of displacement and acceleration is the derivative of velocity. There is uncertainty about how to apply these concepts to the given equation, particularly with \( s \) and \( v \) being interrelated.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints regarding the differentiation process and the nature of the derivatives involved. There is an ongoing exploration of how to manipulate the equation to find \( s(t) \) and subsequently derive acceleration. A participant has proposed a potential expression for acceleration, prompting further verification and discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is some ambiguity in the original equation regarding the interpretation of the terms, which has led to questions about the correct approach to differentiation. Participants are also reflecting on their previous experiences with simpler functions, indicating a need for clarification on handling more complex relationships.

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Homework Statement



The relationship between displacement s and velocity v is given by 1/3s^2 - 4v^2 = 12. Find the acceleration a at any time.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know that velocity is found with the derivative of the displacement function, and acceleration is the derivative of the velocity function. I am not sure how to go about it with this type of function.

Up to now the type of functions I've delt with have been something like s = 2t^2-5t+4 etc

Thank you for your help!
 
Last edited:
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meeklobraca said:

Homework Statement



The relationship between displacement s and velocity v is given by 1/3s^2 - 4v^2 = 12
Is there more to this problem. It doesn't seem to be asking you to do anything.
meeklobraca said:

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know that velocity is found with the derivative of the displacement function, and acceleration is the derivative of the velocity function.
But velocity and acceleration are not just any old derivatives: they are time derivatives. In particular, v = ds/dt. This might be a hint.
meeklobraca said:
Im not sure how to go about it with this type of function.

Up to now the type of functions I've delt with have been something like s = 2t^2-5t+4 etc

Thank you for your help!

In anticipation of what the problem might be asking, I'm guessing that it asks you to find s(t) based on the equation you gave. If you use my hint, you'll get an equation that involves s and ds/dt, which maybe you can solve.
 
Ive editted the question. I am sorry I did leave out what its asking for.

I get that v = ds/dt, and a = dv/dt but as I said the functions I've dealt with are pretty straight forward. I don't know where to start when there is s and v in the same function. Where do I start for this question?
 
Last edited:
Upon some investigation and further study, I got a = (1/12)s for this question.

Am I in the ball park with that one?
 
You are given that 1/3s^2 - 4v^2 = 12. Unfortunately, without parentheses it is not clear whether that first term is (1/3)s^2 or 1/(3s^2)= (1/3)s^(-2). In either case, differentiate with respect to t. Since acceleration is dv/dt, solve for dv/dt, remembering that v= ds/dt.
 
The first term is (1/3)s^2. I did what you suggested and I got (2/3)s / 8 which = (1/12)s. What do you think?
 

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