Kinematics Problem and final velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a kinematics problem involving a particle's acceleration defined by Ax(t) = -2.00 m/s² + (3.00 m/s²)t. The user initially integrated the acceleration incorrectly, omitting the constant of integration, which led to incorrect equations for velocity and position. After receiving feedback, the correct equations were established as Vx(t) = Vi + [-2t + (3/2)t²] and x(t) = Xi + Vi(t) + [-t² + (1/2)t³]. The user successfully solved the problem following the corrections provided.

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Brett
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Problem: The acceleration of a particle is given by Ax(t) = -2.00m/s^2 + (3.00m/s^2)t. A) Find the initial velocity such that the particle will have the same x-coordinate at t= 4.00s as it had at t= 0. B) What will the velocity be at t= 4.00s?

Work so far:

Integrated to get these:

Vx(t) = -2t + (3/2)t^2
x(t) = -t^2 + (1/2)t^3

I am just stuck on what to do. I don't need it worked out as much as I just need a push in the right direction. Thanks.
 
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Both your equations are wrong. When you integrated the acceleration, you forgot about the constant of integration or the initial velocity.
 
PureEnergy said:
Both your equations are wrong. When you integrated the acceleration, you forgot about the constant of integration or the initial velocity.

So then they are:

Vx(t) = Vi + [-2t + (3/2)t^2]
x(t) = Xi + Vi(t) + [-t^2 + (1/2)t^3]

With Vi meaning initial velocity and Xi meaning initial position.

I just solved it, thanks for the correction.
 
Last edited:

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