Is There a Calculus Relationship Between These Kinematics Equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationships between kinematics equations in the context of calculus, specifically examining whether one equation can be derived from another through differentiation. The focus is on the mathematical connections between position, velocity, and acceleration in motion.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the second kinematics equation is the derivative of the first with respect to time.
  • One participant confirms that the velocity of an object is the time-derivative of its position function.
  • Another participant questions the derivative of the first equation, suggesting it leads to a different expression.
  • There is clarification that the final velocity is a variable dependent on time, and the equations can be expressed as functions of time.
  • A participant expresses interest in deriving a specific kinematic equation from the position and velocity equations but later retracts the request.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationship between position and velocity as derivatives, but there is some disagreement regarding the implications of differentiating the equations and the nature of the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of the variables and the context of differentiation may be implicit but are not explicitly stated, leading to potential misunderstandings in the derivation process.

tahayassen
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{ y }_{ f }={ y }_{ i }+{ v }_{ yi }t+\frac { 1 }{ 2 } { a }_{ y }{ t }^{ 2 }\\ { v }_{ yf }={ v }_{ yi }+{ a }_{ y }t

It almost looks like the second equation is the derivative of the first equation with respect to time.
 
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Exactly. The velocity of an object is simply the time-derivative of its position function.
 


Pengwuino said:
Exactly. The velocity of an object is simply the time-derivative of its position function.

Maybe I'm incredibly rusty on my calculus, but isn't the time-derivative of the first equation the following?

0={ v }_{ yi }+{ a }_{ y }t
 


##v_{yf}## isn't a constant, it's a variable, more specifically the dependent variable, a function of t. Written as functions, your two equations are

$$y(t) = y_i + v_{yi} t + \frac{1}{2}a_y t^2 \\ v_y(t) = v_{yi} + a_y t$$
 


jtbell said:
##v_{yf}## isn't a constant, it's a variable, more specifically the dependent variable, a function of t. Written as functions, your two equations are

$$y(t) = y_i + v_{yi} t + \frac{1}{2}a_y t^2$$

$$v_y(t) = v_{yi} + a_y t$$

Thank you!
 
Last edited:

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