How to Find Instantaneous Velocity Using Force

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenge of determining the instantaneous velocity of an object with mass ##m##, influenced by gravitational force from another mass ##M##, described by the equation ##F=\frac {mMG} {R^2}##. Participants agree that without initial conditions, such as the initial speed of the object, it is impossible to calculate the velocity using the work-energy principle ##W=ΔKE## or kinematic equations. The consensus is that while instantaneous acceleration can be calculated, the lack of boundary conditions prevents the determination of velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force equations, specifically ##F=\frac {mMG} {R^2}##.
  • Familiarity with the work-energy principle, ##W=ΔKE##.
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations and their applications.
  • Basic calculus, particularly integration and its constants.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of initial conditions in classical mechanics.
  • Learn about the relationship between acceleration and velocity through integration.
  • Explore advanced topics in gravitational physics and their mathematical formulations.
  • Review case studies involving gravitational interactions and their effects on motion.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying mechanics, educators teaching classical mechanics concepts, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of motion under gravitational forces.

Arman777
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Homework Statement


Let's suppose we have two objects on ##x## axis.They have mass ##m## and ##M##, They are exerting a gravitational force on each other and its magnitude can be written as ##F=\frac {mMG} {R^2}##.
So my question is can we find Instantaneous velocity of ##m##, ##{V_m}## ?
We only know ##R##, ##m## and ##M##.

Homework Equations


##W=ΔKE##
##F=\frac {mMG} {R^2}##.

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to use ##W=ΔKE## but it didnt make sense cause we don't know inital conditions, like inital speed of the object etc. and cause of that I also couldn't use kinematic equations.
 
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Exactly. Without the initial conditions we can't work out the velocity. We can work out the instantaneous acceleration of m, but without knowing its past history we can't say what its velocity is. (Remember V = ∫adt, and any integration has an integration constant which must be determined with reference to the boundary conditions, which you don't know.)
 
mjc123 said:
Exactly. Without the initial conditions we can't work out the velocity. We can work out the instantaneous acceleration of m, but without knowing its past history we can't say what its velocity is. (Remember V = ∫adt, and any integration has an integration constant which must be determined with reference to the boundary conditions, which you don't know.)

Make sense..Thanks
 

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