Mechanics- General motion in a straight line.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mechanics problem involving the motion of a particle along the X-axis, characterized by a time-dependent acceleration. Participants are attempting to determine the value of a constant in the acceleration equation based on the conditions of the particle's motion.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the acceleration equation a = 6t - c and states the initial conditions of the particle's motion.
  • Another participant suggests integrating the acceleration to find the velocity and subsequently the position, but expresses uncertainty about the calculations.
  • Multiple participants propose different values for the constant c, with one stating c = -12 and another correcting it to c = 12, indicating confusion over the correct approach.
  • There is a discussion about setting the velocity and position equations to zero to find the stationary points of the particle.
  • One participant provides a method to solve the equations by substituting values derived from the stationary conditions into the position equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct value of c, with conflicting values proposed and uncertainty expressed regarding the calculations and methods used.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the integration process and the conditions for stationary motion. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the equations involved.

Shah 72
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A particle starts at the origin and moves along the X- axis. The acceleration of the particle in the direction of the positive x-axis is a= 6t-c for some constant c. The particle is initially stationary and it is stationary again when it is at the point with x coordinate = -4. Find the value of c.
I don't understand how to calculate.
 
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What have you been able to do so far?

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
What have you been able to do so far?

-Dan
V= integration (6t-c) with limits 0 and -4. I got the ans c= -12. But it's wrong and the textbook ans is 6
 
topsquark said:
What have you been able to do so far?

-Dan
I got c=12 not -12
 
Shah 72 said:
I got c=12 not -12
[math]a = \dfrac{dv}{dt} = 6t - c[/math]

so [math]v = \int_0^t (6t - c) ~ dt = 3t^2 - ct[/math]

[math]v = \dfrac{dx}{dt} = 3t^2 - ct[/math]

Try to finish it.

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
[math]a = \dfrac{dv}{dt} = 6t - c[/math]

so [math]v = \int_0^t (6t - c) ~ dt = 3t^2 - ct[/math]

[math]v = \dfrac{dx}{dt} = 3t^2 - ct[/math]

Try to finish it.

-Dan
You mean I do s=t^3-ct^2/2
 
topsquark said:
[math]a = \dfrac{dv}{dt} = 6t - c[/math]

so [math]v = \int_0^t (6t - c) ~ dt = 3t^2 - ct[/math]

[math]v = \dfrac{dx}{dt} = 3t^2 - ct[/math]

Try to finish it.

-Dan
You take both the equations = 0 as stationary .
Then solve the quadratic equation by using b^2-4ac=0. I still don't get the ans
 
Shah 72 said:
You take both the equations = 0 as stationary .
Then solve the quadratic equation by using b^2-4ac=0. I still don't get the ans
Your formula for s (I've been calling it x) is correct. Now you know when the motion of the particle stops, v(t) = 0 and x(t) = -4. So
[math]0 = 3t^2 - ct[/math]
and
[math]-4 = t^3 - \dfrac{1}{2} c t^2[/math]

My advice is to solve the top equation for ct, multiply it by t (to get [math]ct^2[/math]) and then plug that into the bottom equation.

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Your formula for s (I've been calling it x) is correct. Now you know when the motion of the particle stops, v(t) = 0 and x(t) = -4. So
[math]0 = 3t^2 - ct[/math]
and
[math]-4 = t^3 - \dfrac{1}{2} c t^2[/math]

My advice is to solve the top equation for ct, multiply it by t (to get [math]ct^2[/math]) and then plug that into the bottom equation.

-Dan
Thank you so much!
 

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