Integrating to find velocity and position equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the velocity and position equations for a particle with acceleration defined as a(t) = pt² - qt³, where p and q are constants. The participant successfully integrated the acceleration function to obtain the velocity function v(t) = p(t³/3) - q(t⁴/4) and confirmed the constant of integration is zero. Subsequently, the position function was derived as x(t) = p(t⁴/12) - q(t⁵/20), also confirming the constant of integration is zero. Both equations were validated against the initial conditions of zero velocity and position.

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  • Understanding of calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations in physics.
  • Knowledge of functions and their properties.
  • Ability to apply initial conditions to solve for constants of integration.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study advanced integration techniques in calculus.
  • Explore the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position in physics.
  • Learn about the application of initial conditions in differential equations.
  • Investigate the implications of varying constants p and q on the motion of the particle.
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Homework Statement


The acceleration of a certain particle is a function of time: a(t) = pt2-qt3, where p and q are constants. Initially, the velocity and position of the particle are zero.
(a) What is the velocity as a function of time?
(b) What is the position as a function of time?

The Attempt at a Solution


I was just wondering if these looked correct:
a) I integrated a(t) to get
v(t) = p(t3/3) - q(t4/4) + c
then subbed in v(0) = 0 to find c = 0
so v(t) = p(t3/3) - q(t4/4)

b) Then I integrated v(t) to get
x(t) = p(t4/12) - q(t5/20) + c
then subbed in x(0) = 0 to find c =0
so x(t) = p(t4/12) - q(t5/20)
 
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looks good to me
 

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