How Do You Calculate Velocity and Acceleration from a Position Vector?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating velocity and acceleration from a given position vector of an object with mass. The position vector is expressed in terms of time, and participants are tasked with differentiating this vector to find the required quantities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of the position vector to obtain velocity and express uncertainty about the subsequent steps to find acceleration. Questions arise regarding the notation used and the relationship between velocity and acceleration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications on the notation and the process of finding the magnitude of the velocity vector. There is an ongoing exploration of how to compute the dot product and the implications of the components of the vector.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the notation and the mathematical operations required, particularly in relation to the components of the position vector and their differentiation. Participants express a need for further clarification on specific steps without seeking direct answers.

Seven of Nine

Homework Statement


The position vector of an object of mass 0.10 kg at time t in seconds is given by
=(^3+5)−4+2^2
Find the velocity and the acceleration as a function of t

Homework Equations


=(^3+5)−4+2^2

The Attempt at a Solution


For velocity I think the equation needs to be differentiated giving; 3t^2i+5i-4j+4tk

To find the magnitude I have to find the square root of the squares of the value of each vector quantity - but no idea what to do about the square or how to find the acceleration.

Dont need the answers just the information needed to find the values and where I'm going wrong and what I can't remember
 
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Seven of Nine said:
=(^3+5)−4+2^2
It looks like something went wrong with the notation here.
Seven of Nine said:
For velocity I think the equation needs to be differentiated
Right.
Seven of Nine said:
To find the magnitude I have to find the square root of the squares of the value of each vector quantity
Of the sum of squares, yes.
Seven of Nine said:
but no idea what to do about the square
What is unclear?
Seven of Nine said:
or how to find the acceleration.
What is the relation between velocity and acceleration?
 
mfb said:
It looks like something went wrong with the notation here.Right.Of the sum of squares, yes.What is unclear?What is the relation between velocity and acceleration?
Yes sorry the equation is
r=(t^3+5t)i−4tj+2t^2k

and do I have to do anything with the t^2 value and what do I do about the 3t^2i +5i how do I find the sum of the square of of i? And yes after I asked about the acceleration I realized I was being a bit thick. Thank you
 
Seven of Nine said:
how do I find the sum of the square of of i
The magnitude of a vector is given by ##|\vec v|=\sqrt{\vec v.\vec v}##, where the dot represents the dot product. Do you know how to find the dot product of ##x\hat i+y\hat k## with itself?
 

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