Instantaneous acceleration from coordinates?

In summary, instantaneous acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes at a specific moment in time and is calculated by taking the derivative of an object's velocity with respect to time. The units of instantaneous acceleration are typically expressed as distance per time squared, but can also be expressed in other units. It differs from average acceleration, which is the average rate of change of velocity over a given time interval. Instantaneous acceleration can be affected by forces, mass, and changes in direction or speed.
  • #1
jalessandrom
2
0

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Solved thanks! derived a for the y-coordinate incorrectly.
 
  • #3
Good job. Welcome to PF, by the way.
 
  • #4
jalessandrom said:
= 4 x 2 = 8 m/s2

Why did you multiply by two?
 
  • #5
so what's the answer?
 
  • #6
This thread is over five years old.
 

1. What is instantaneous acceleration?

Instantaneous acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes at a specific moment in time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How is instantaneous acceleration calculated?

Instantaneous acceleration can be calculated by taking the derivative of an object's velocity with respect to time. This can be represented by the equation a = dv/dt, where a is acceleration, v is velocity, and t is time.

3. What are the units of instantaneous acceleration?

The units of instantaneous acceleration are typically expressed as distance per time squared (m/s² or ft/s²). However, depending on the system of measurement being used, it can also be expressed in other units such as miles per hour squared (mph/s²) or kilometers per hour squared (km/h²).

4. How does instantaneous acceleration differ from average acceleration?

Instantaneous acceleration is the acceleration at a specific moment in time, while average acceleration is the average rate of change of velocity over a given time interval. Average acceleration can be calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the time interval, while instantaneous acceleration requires taking the derivative of velocity with respect to time.

5. What factors can affect instantaneous acceleration?

Instantaneous acceleration can be affected by forces acting on an object, such as gravity, friction, or applied forces. It can also be affected by the object's mass and its initial velocity. Additionally, instantaneous acceleration can change if the object's direction or speed changes.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
14K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
7K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
5K
Back
Top