The discussion revolves around finding the velocity and acceleration of an object described by its position functions in three-dimensional space, specifically using vector notation. The position is given as a function of time with components in the x, y, and z directions.
Participants are exploring the basic concepts of vector functions and their derivatives. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration, but there is still a sense of uncertainty among newer participants about the application of these concepts.
One participant mentions that they are working on this problem for extra credit in a college physics class, indicating a potential lack of familiarity with the material. There is also a repeated emphasis on the simplicity of the derivative process, which may suggest a need for further clarification on the concepts involved.
tarletontexan said:well what concepts are those??, I am just a newbie afterall...
tarletontexan said:so your tellin me that these functions are vectors? Ok i can dig it, so i take the derivative with respect to time and i'll have the velocity, take it again and i'll have the acceleration. That seems to be too simple, but i'll try it