Linear motion with variable forces

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a racing car with a mass of 20000 kg (later corrected to 2000 kg) that accelerates under a variable driving force of 480(t-10)² Newtons. The goal is to determine the maximum speed and the distance traveled until that speed is reached after 10 seconds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of acceleration to find velocity and then distance, noting discrepancies in results. There is a focus on the correct application of initial conditions and constants of integration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided alternative approaches to finding velocity and distance through integration, while others have pointed out potential errors in initial conditions and constants. Multiple interpretations of the integration process are being explored, but no consensus has been reached on the correct solutions.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the mass of the car, initially stated as 20000 kg but later corrected to 2000 kg. Participants are also questioning the assumptions made in the integration process and the initial conditions used.

jiayingsim123
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Homework Statement


A racing car of mass 20000kg accelerates with a driving force of 480(t-10)^2 Newtons until it reaches its maximum speed after 10 seconds. Find its maximum speed, and the distance it travels in reaching this speed.





The Attempt at a Solution


Again, I can't seem to get the distance traveled after the second integration.
m=2000kg
F=480(t-10)^2
a=F/m
= 6(t-10)^2/25
v=∫a dt
=[6(t-10)^3/3]/25 + k
Since t=0, v=0 and therefore v=[6(t-10)^3/3]/25
Vmax is found out to be 80m/s

But integration of v did not give me the answer stated, which is 600m. I got 200m instead.

Please include detailed explanations along with the solution. Thanks! :D
 
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jiayingsim123 said:

Homework Statement


A racing car of mass 20000kg accelerates with a driving force of 480(t-10)^2 Newtons until it reaches its maximum speed after 10 seconds. Find its maximum speed, and the distance it travels in reaching this speed.





The Attempt at a Solution


Again, I can't seem to get the distance traveled after the second integration.
m=2000kg
F=480(t-10)^2
a=F/m
= 6(t-10)^2/25
v=∫a dt
=[6(t-10)^3/3]/25 + k
Since t=0, v=0 and therefore v=[6(t-10)^3/3]/25
Vmax is found out to be 80m/s

But integration of v did not give me the answer stated, which is 600m. I got 200m instead.

Please include detailed explanations along with the solution. Thanks! :D

What is the mass?
 
Sorry the mass is 2000kg. :)
 
For the velocity you can also use F=dp/dt
[itex]\int_0^t \! f(t) \, \mathrm{d} t. =\int_0^v \! f(mv) \, \mathrm{d} v.[/itex]

Just find v from acceleration by integral
Then find d from v by integral too.
 
jiayingsim123 said:
a=F/m
= 6(t-10)^2/25
v=∫a dt
=[6(t-10)^3/3]/25 + k
Since t=0, v=0 and therefore v=[6(t-10)^3/3]/25

Your initial velocity is -80 instead of zero. Choose other value for k.

ehild
 

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