Instantaneous acceleration from coordinates?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the instantaneous acceleration of a car given its position coordinates x(t) and y(t). The user initially attempted to find the acceleration by taking the second derivative of the position functions but made an error in deriving the y-coordinate's acceleration. After clarification, it was noted that the correct acceleration for the y-coordinate should not involve multiplying by two. Ultimately, the user acknowledged the mistake and received a welcome to the forum. The thread highlights the importance of accurate differentiation in physics problems.
jalessandrom
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Homework Statement


The coordinate of an automobile in meters is x(t) = 5 + 3t + 2t2 and y(t) = 7 + 2t + t3, where t is in seconds. What is the instant acceleration of the car at time t = 2 s?

ANSWERS:
A. 10.2 m/s2
B. 9.5 m/s2
C. 7.9 m/s2
D. 15.0 m/s2
E. 12.6 m/s2

Homework Equations


ains = limt->0 dv / dt
= limt->0 d2x / dt2

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt went as follows:

a for x-coordinate:
ains = limt->2 d2(5 + 3t + 2t2) / dt2
= limt->2 4 m/s2
= 4 x 2 = 8 m/s2

a for y-coordinate:
ains = limt->2 d2(7 + 2t + t3) / dt2
= limt->2 3 m/s2
=3 x 2 = 6 m/s2

For a:
√82 + 62 = 10 m/s2

Just wondering what I am doing incorrectly, any advice would be appreciated.
 
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Solved thanks! derived a for the y-coordinate incorrectly.
 
Good job. Welcome to PF, by the way.
 
jalessandrom said:
= 4 x 2 = 8 m/s2

Why did you multiply by two?
 
so what's the answer?
 
This thread is over five years old.
 
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