Finding Velocity: F=ma or KE = 0.5mv^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the velocity of an object given a force function that varies with displacement. The subject area includes concepts from dynamics, specifically the relationships between force, mass, acceleration, and energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods to derive velocity from a force function, including integrating acceleration with respect to displacement and using work-energy principles. Questions arise about the validity of these approaches and the dimensional consistency of the equations used.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about the integration of acceleration with respect to displacement and its implications for finding velocity. There is a suggestion that modeling the situation with a spring could be a creative approach. Others indicate that the second method appears valid, but they recommend seeking confirmation from more experienced members.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with dimensional analysis in the original equations and discuss the implications of integrating acceleration with respect to time versus displacement. There is a focus on ensuring that the mathematical relationships used are appropriate for the physical context.

Kiwigami
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Here is a made up function of force changing with respect to displacement: F(x) = 2000 - 100x
The force is applied onto an object, pushing it horizontally. Ignore friction and air resistance. The mass is constant. I'm trying to find Velocity with respect to displacement.

Attempt 1:
Knowing F = m*a:
2000 - 100x = m*a
a(x) = (2000-100x)/m
To find velocity, I take the integral of a(x) to get v(x) = [-100(0.5x2 - 20x)]/m

Attempt 2:
Now, I believe that Work = Force * Displacement. W = ∫ from 0 to b of (2000 - 100x)dx = [-50(b-40)b]

Since the object is only sliding horizontally, there's no potential energy, but there is kinetic energy. I set [-100(0.5x2 - 20x)] = 0.5mv^2 and solve for v:

v(x) = sqrt[(2/m) * [-50(x-40)x]]

In the end, I get two different answers. What I would like to know is what am I doing wrong? Did I use illegal math? Did I get the formulas wrong? Did I use the forumlas wrong?
 
Last edited:
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It seems for the first one you were integrating acceleration with respect to displacement (instead of time)—I don't see how that would tell you the velocity.
 
person123 said:
It seems for the first one you were integrating acceleration with respect to displacement (instead of time)—I don't see how that would tell you the velocity.
If I integrate acceleration with respect to displacement, would I get velocity with respect to displacement? Velocity with respect to displacement is what I'm trying to find.
 
Kiwigami said:
If I integrate acceleration with respect to displacement, would I get velocity with respect to displacement? Velocity with respect to displacement is what I'm trying to find.

I'm 90 percent sure that that's false. The connection between acceleration and velocity is that the former multiplied by time specifically equals change in velocity. Therefore, integrating acceleration with respect to time gives you change in velocity. This connection should only work when using time. Note that your first equation seems to fail dimensional analysis (there's the difference of displacement times force and displacement squared, which is meaningless).

I think modelling this situation with a spring might be a creative solution.
 
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person123 said:
I'm 90 percent sure that that's false. The connection between acceleration and velocity is that the former multiplied by time specifically equals change in velocity. Therefore, integrating acceleration with respect to time gives you change in velocity. This connection should only work when using time. Note that your first equation seems to fail dimensional analysis (there's the difference of displacement and displacement squared, which is meaningless).

I think modelling this situation with a spring might be a creative solution.
person123 said:
I'm 90 percent sure that that's false. The connection between acceleration and velocity is that the former multiplied by time specifically equals change in velocity. Therefore, integrating acceleration with respect to time gives you change in velocity. This connection should only work when using time. Note that your first equation seems to fail dimensional analysis (there's the difference of displacement and displacement squared, which is meaningless).

I think modelling this situation with a spring might be a creative solution.
I see! The units won't work out. In that case, do you think my second attempt is correct?
 
I got the same thing both using your second method (which I believe is valid) and imagining it as a spring. (The two methods are actually essentially the same because ##PE=½kx^2## was derived by integrating force over distance). So I'm confident that it's correct, but I would wait until there's someone more experienced to check it if you want to be sure.
 
Kiwigami said:
If I integrate acceleration with respect to displacement, would I get velocity with respect to displacement?
No.
##a=\frac{dv}{dt}=\frac{dv}{dx}\frac{dx}{dt}=v\frac{dv}{dx}=\frac 12\frac{d}{dx}v^2##
Integrating wrt x:
##\int a.dx=\frac 12v^2##
Multiplying through by m gives the familiar ∫F.dx=½mv2.
 

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