Formula help needed algebraic formula for intra-interval rate of acceleration

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving an algebraic formula to calculate the average acceleration between specific time intervals, treating the intra-interval rate of acceleration as constant. The user provides speed values at various time points (T = 4, 5, 6, and 7) and seeks a formula that accurately reflects the exponential nature of acceleration between T = 5 and T = 6. The proposed method for calculating average acceleration is based on the formula: (speed at T') - (speed at T) / (T' - T), emphasizing that the average rate should not simply be the mean of the speeds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic algebraic concepts
  • Familiarity with acceleration and its calculation
  • Knowledge of time intervals in physics
  • Experience with spreadsheet calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research exponential functions and their application in physics
  • Learn about the concept of instantaneous acceleration
  • Explore advanced algebraic techniques for modeling motion
  • Investigate numerical methods for calculating rates of change
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for individuals interested in physics, particularly those studying motion and acceleration, as well as spreadsheet users looking to enhance their mathematical modeling skills.

seasnake
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
This isn't for a class, just for my own personal use as I am not a student, but I need an equation in algebraic form that allows me to calculate the average acceleration between spreadsheet intervals given that the intra-interval rate of acceleration is to be treated as a constant, and the speed at the beginning of the interval is known and the speed at the end of the interval is also known.

T = time
Speed at T = 4 is 6
Speed at T = 5 is 4
Speed at T = 6 is 7
Speed at T = 7 is 7

I am searching for an algebraic formula (non-derivitative, non-trig) that gives the average rate of intra-interval acceleration if the rate of intra-interval acceleration were constant between T = 5 and T = 6. Speed at T = 4 and speed at T =7 should have no impact to this intra-interval multiplier.

Said another way, I have a spreadsheet and I have formulated it so that the average rate of interval acceleration between T = 5 and T = 6 is (Speed at T = 5 + Speed at T = 6)/2, but I know that this is incorrect as the intra-interval rate should rise exponentially between T = 5 and T = 6, so instead of multiplying by 0.5 I should be multiplying by a different fraction that is exponentially related.
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Acceleration is change of speed per time step, not average velocity during the time step.
So the acceleration between time T and T' is
[(speed at T') - (speed at T)] / (T' - T)
 
Since this is not "Linear and Abstract Algebra", I am moving it to "General Math".
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 123 ·
5
Replies
123
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K