Force Exerted by Shot-Putter: Solving the Puzzle

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The discussion revolves around calculating the average force exerted by a shot-putter on a 7.0 kg shot, moved through 2.8 meters and released at 13 m/s. Participants explore the use of basic physics equations such as F=ma and kinematic equations to derive the force. There is confusion regarding the correct application of time and distance in the calculations, leading to varying results, with one participant estimating around 200 Newtons while another calculates approximately 400 Newtons. The complexity of using calculus concepts like the chain rule is acknowledged, but one participant prefers to stick to introductory physics methods. The overall sentiment reflects frustration with the problem despite its apparent simplicity.
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1. What is the average force exerted by a shot-putter on a 7.0 kilogram shot if the shot is moved through a distance of 2.8 meters and is released with a speed of 13 m/s?



2. F=ma, x = vo t + 1/2 at^2, v=vo at



3. I think you get time by using D = vt, but when I use this time and plug it into the distance equation above I get a weird answer. The real answer should be in the ballpark of 200 Newtons.
 
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ok I'm not sure how much calculus you know but the chain rule allows you to write:
F=ma=m\frac{dv}{dx}\frac{dx}{dt}=m\frac{dv}{dx}v
this means the F =mv*(change in velocity)/(change in position)


However this gives me about 400 N so I might be forgetting something.
 
Heimisson said:
ok I'm not sure how much calculus you know but the chain rule allows you to write:
F=ma=m\frac{dv}{dx}\frac{dx}{dt}=m\frac{dv}{dx}v
this means the F =mv*(change in velocity)/(change in position)


However this gives me about 400 N so I might be forgetting something.

Thanks for the response

But I'm in an introductory physics course; calculus is a bit too much for me.

I'll play around with the numbers some more.

The problem seems really easy... I just can't get the right answer.
 
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