How Far Does a Car Travel to Reach 4.61 m/s with Non-Constant Acceleration?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a car accelerating with a non-constant acceleration described by the equation a(s) = k * s^n, where k and n are given constants. The objective is to determine the distance traveled by the car when it reaches a speed of 4.61 m/s, starting from rest.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and distance, with some attempting to derive equations based on the given acceleration function. Questions arise about the correct application of integration and the use of differential equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods to approach the problem. Some have provided insights into the use of differential equations, while others are questioning the steps needed to solve for distance. There is no explicit consensus on the method to be used.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of non-constant acceleration and the implications of the given parameters. There is a focus on the correct application of calculus concepts, particularly integration and differentiation, in the context of the problem.

albert12345
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Homework Statement


A car accelerates with the acceleration a(s)=k*s^n m/s^2
s= distance in m
k = 5,8
n=0,7351
The car starts the acceleration from 0 m/s

How far has the car traveled when it reaches the speed 4,61m/s?

The Attempt at a Solution


When i anti derivate one time i will get dv/dt. Do i put in the distance after that?
 
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adx = adv

Where x is the distance "s"
so I get this:

(1/2)*(x^2) = v2^2 - V1^2

Where v2 is the final speed and v1 is the starting speed=0..

Am i right or wrong?
 
Albert12345 said:

The Attempt at a Solution


When i anti derivate one time i will get dv/dt. Do i put in the distance after that?

What do you mean? dv/dt =a, the acceleration.

You have a differential equation dv(s(t))/dt=k*s^n. Write up the left-hand side with applying the chain rule:

dv/dt=dv/ds ds/dt. ds/dt=v, so v dv/ds =ks^n. This is a differential equation for v(s), easy to solve.ehild
 
So I just plug in my values here, or do i have to antiderivate first?

v dv/ds =ks^n
 
So I just plug in my values here and solve for s, or do i have to antiderivate first?

v dv/ds =ks^n
 
How do you want to solve for s? Show your attempt.

ehild
 

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