How to Find Velocity With Non-Constant Acceleration

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SUMMARY

To find velocity with non-constant acceleration, integrate the acceleration function with respect to time. For the example given, where acceleration is defined as a(t) = 4.0t, the velocity at time t=3 seconds is calculated using the definite integral v(3) = ∫03 4t dt. This integral evaluates to 18, indicating that the velocity after 3 seconds is 18 m/s. Understanding definite integrals is crucial for solving such problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically integration
  • Familiarity with definite integrals
  • Knowledge of functions and their representations
  • Basic physics concepts related to motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study definite integrals in calculus
  • Explore the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and displacement
  • Practice problems involving non-constant acceleration
  • Learn about numerical integration techniques for complex functions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics or calculus, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of integration in the context of kinematics.

Ellipses
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Hi everyone. I don't want someone to do the question so I won't include my actual homework question, but I would really appreciate if someone would tell me how to find velocity after a time t if your acceleration is non-constant and time dependent.

For example, if your acceleration was a = 4.0t and you want to find velocity after 3.0 seconds, how would you do that? Thank you!
 
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Ellipses said:
Hi everyone. I don't want someone to do the question so I won't include my actual homework question, but I would really appreciate if someone would tell me how to find velocity after a time t if your acceleration is non-constant and time dependent.

For example, if your acceleration was a = 4.0t and you want to find velocity after 3.0 seconds, how would you do that? Thank you!

Have you learned calculus yet? You need to integrate the acceleration with respect to time, while setting the lower bound to 0 (seconds) and the upper bound to 3 (seconds), i.e.

v(3) = \int_0^3 a(t) dt = \int_0^3 4t dt

Here, v(t) refers to velocity as a function of time, so v(3) is velocity at time 3 seconds. a(t) is acceleration as a function of time.
 
Thanks for the answer! I know indefinite integrals but not definite so could you please explain how you solve your example? (:
 

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