Kinematics of Particles: What is the Particle's Acceleration at 68 s?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the kinematics of a particle moving in a plane, with its position described by polynomial equations for x and y coordinates. The original poster seeks to determine the particle's velocity and acceleration at a specific time, t = 68 s.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of velocity using the change in position over time, questioning the accuracy of their results. There are requests for clarification on the algebraic steps taken. Some participants suggest using derivatives to find velocity and acceleration, while others express confusion about the signs of their results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively seeking clarification on their calculations and the appropriate formulas to use for velocity and acceleration. Some have provided guidance on using derivatives, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention a specified degree of accuracy for their answers and question the assumptions made regarding the initial conditions of the particle's motion. There is also a discussion about the correct interpretation of the polynomial equations provided.

roam
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Homework Statement



A particle moves in a plane. The particle (x,y) position on the plane is given by:

[tex]x = -34t^4 − 28t^3 + 7[/tex]
[tex]y = 25t^2 + 13t^3 + 5[/tex]

Therefore the particle's displacement [from the (x,y) origin) at time t = 68 s is

[tex](736000000m) i + (4200000m)j[/tex]

(a) What is the particle's velocity at 68 s ?

(b) What is the particle's acceleration at 68 s ?

The Attempt at a Solution



(a) for this part the correct answer has to be

[tex]v_p = (43200000m) i + (184000m)j[/tex]

But I can't see how they have arrived at this answer! The velocity is [tex]\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}[/tex]

[tex]\Delta t = t_f-t_i=68-0 =68[/tex]

[tex]\Delta x = x_f-x_i = 736000000 - 7 = 375999993[/tex]

So, [tex]\frac{375999993}{68}=10823529.31[/tex].

This is not the right answer for the i component. What is the problem?
 
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just use v(t)= (dx/dt)i+(dy/dt)j
 
rock.freak667 said:
just use v(t)= (dx/dt)i+(dy/dt)j

That's exactly what I did! And I don't know why I get the wrong answer...
 
Can you show exactly how you did it? You may have made a mistake in the algebra somewhere.
 
Can you show exactly how you did it? You may have made a mistake in the algebra somewhere.

Here is my working for the i component:

The particle's displacement is [tex](736000000m) i + (4200000m)j[/tex]

[tex]\Delta t = t_f-t_i=68-0 =68[/tex]

Since for t=0 the first equation, [tex]x=-34t^4-28t^3+7[/tex], will be 7.

[tex]\Delta x = x_f-x_i = 736000000 - 7 = 375999993[/tex]

So, [tex]v=\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}=\frac{375999993}{68}=10823529.31[/tex].
 
In your answers are you working with a specified degree of accuracy?

Also if x=-34t4-28t3+7, how is your i component positive?

Alos what is dx/dt and dy/dt equal to in terms of t?
 
rock.freak667 said:
In your answers are you working with a specified degree of accuracy?

I think 2% is the accuracy tolerance.

Also if x=-34t4-28t3+7, how is your i component positive?

oops, I'm sorry, the answer has to be -43200000 i. :redface:

Alos what is dx/dt and dy/dt equal to in terms of t?

[tex]\frac{375999993}{68}=10823529.31[/tex]

If this not true then I have no idea...
 
If x=t5, then dx/dt is 5t4


So if x=-34t4-28t3+7 and y =25t2+13t3+5

what is dx/dt and dy/dt equal to?
 
rock.freak667 said:
If x=t5, then dx/dt is 5t4


So if x=-34t4-28t3+7 and y =25t2+13t3+5

what is dx/dt and dy/dt equal to?

Thanks a lot it worked! :)

Finally, the question asks "what is the particle's acceleration at 68 s?". If I divide the particle's velocity at 68 s by time=68 seconds, it doesn't give me the correct answer. So what formula do I need to use?
 
  • #10
roam said:
Thanks a lot it worked! :)

Finally, the question asks "what is the particle's acceleration at 68 s?". If I divide the particle's velocity at 68 s by time=68 seconds, it doesn't give me the correct answer. So what formula do I need to use?

You use the same method.


a(t)=(d2x/dt2)i+(d2y/dt2}j
 

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