Glider moving along an inclined track?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a glider moving along an inclined track with constant acceleration. The original poster presents a scenario where the glider is projected from the low end of the track, and after a specified time, its position and final velocity are given. The goal is to determine the initial velocity and acceleration of the glider.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various kinematic equations to relate the glider's position, initial velocity, final velocity, and acceleration. Some express uncertainty about the appropriateness of the equations used. Others attempt to derive relationships between the variables but encounter difficulties in solving for the initial velocity.

Discussion Status

There are multiple approaches being explored, with some participants questioning the correctness of the equations and calculations presented. Guidance has been offered regarding potential errors in the original poster's attempts, particularly concerning sign errors in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the possibility of missing information or misinterpretations of the problem setup, which may be affecting the attempts to solve for the initial velocity and acceleration.

sammyg18
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


In a classroom demonstration, a glider moves along an inclined track with constant acceleration. It is projected from the low end of the track with an initial velocity. After 8.2 s have elapsed, it is 103.3 cm from the low end and is moving along the track at a velocity of -15.1 cm/s. Find the initial velocity (cm/s) and the acceleration (cm/s^2).

Homework Equations


xf = xi + 0.5 (vi + vf) t
xf = xi + vi t + 0.5 a t^2
a = (vf - vi)/t

I honestly might be using equations that are totally wrong. I have no idea.

The Attempt at a Solution


First I tried xf = xi + 0.5 (vi + vf) t and I came up with 10.1 cm/s for vi but that's wrong. Then I tried xf = xi + vi t + 0.5 a t^2 and I plugged a = (vf - vi)/t Into the equation for a but I couldn't solve it through for vi. I'm definitely missing something or doing something wrong :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Using v= v_0+ at and x= v_0x+ (a/2)t. With t= 8.2, x= 103.3 and v= 151, those become 151= v_0+ 8.2t and (8.2^2/2)a+ 8.2v_0. Solve those two equations for a and v_0.
 
Duplicate thread..
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/glider-moves-alone-an-inclined-track.811791/#post-5095751
 
First I tried xf = xi + 0.5 (vi + vf) t and I came up with 10.1 cm/s for vi but that's wrong.

Show your working for that.

I believe you made a sign error.
 

Similar threads

Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
4K