Mechanics- General motion in a straight line.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the distance a goods train travels from point A to point B, given its acceleration as a function of time and its motion characteristics over different time intervals. Participants explore various methods to solve the problem, including integration and kinematic equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to approach the problem and mentions a calculated distance of 1700 m, which differs from the textbook answer of 1690 m.
  • Several participants provide a formula for calculating distance, which includes integrating velocity over time and contributions from constant velocity and deceleration phases.
  • Another participant questions the method used to arrive at a specific term in the distance calculation, asking if integration is necessary for that part.
  • One participant shares their calculations for the distance during the first interval (0 to 6 seconds) and the constant velocity interval (6 to 156 seconds), arriving at a distance of 1620 m for the latter.
  • Multiple participants discuss the uniform deceleration phase, using kinematic equations to derive the distance traveled during this period, consistently arriving at 48.6 m.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct method to calculate the total distance, as participants present different approaches and calculations. Some participants agree on the distance during the deceleration phase, while others have varying results for the total distance.

Contextual Notes

Participants' calculations depend on their interpretations of the problem and the application of different kinematic equations. There are unresolved aspects regarding the integration of velocity and the contributions from different phases of motion.

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A goods train starts from rest at point A and moves along a straight track. The train moves with acceleration a m/s^2 at time t s, given by a=0.1t^2(6-t) for 0<t<6. It then moves at constant velocity for 6<t<156 before decelerating uniformly to stop at point B at t=165. Calculate the distance from A to B.
I have no clue how to solve this.
I used the usual method without integration and got s=1700m. The textbook ans says 1690.
 
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$\displaystyle d = \int_0^6 v(t) \, dt + v(6) \cdot 150 + 4.5[v(156)+v(165)]$

$d=1690$m to three significant figures
 
skeeter said:
$\displaystyle d = \int_0^6 v(t) \, dt + v(6) \cdot 150 + 4.5[v(156)+v(165)]$

$d=1690$m to three significant figures
Thank you!
 

skeeter said:
$\displaystyle d = \int_0^6 v(t) \, dt + v(6) \cdot 150 + 4.5[v(156)+v(165)]$

$d=1690$m to three significant figures

Can I pls ask you about the last part, how you got 4.5 ( v156+v165) do I need to integrate?
 
skeeter said:
$\displaystyle d = \int_0^6 v(t) \, dt + v(6) \cdot 150 + 4.5[v(156)+v(165)]$

$d=1690$m to three significant figures
I don't understand the last part.
I get s1 for the interval between 0 and 6= 25.92m
Constant velocity, v=s/t, I get s2 for interval between 6 and 156= 1620m.
 
for the period of uniform deceleration, $\Delta t = 9$ sec.

recall the kinematics equation for uniform acceleration …

$\Delta x = v_{avg} \cdot \Delta t = \dfrac{1}{2}(v_0 + v_f) \cdot \Delta t = 4.5(10.8 + 0) = 48.6$ m

you could also use …

$\Delta x = v_0 \Delta t + \dfrac{1}{2}at^2 = 10.8 \cdot 9 - 0.6 \cdot 9^2 = 48.6$ m
 
skeeter said:
for the period of uniform deceleration, $\Delta t = 9$ sec.

recall the kinematics equation for uniform acceleration …

$\Delta x = v_{avg} \cdot \Delta t = \dfrac{1}{2}(v_0 + v_f) \cdot \Delta t = 4.5(10.8 + 0) = 48.6$ m

you could also use …

$\Delta x = v_0 \Delta t + \dfrac{1}{2}at^2 = 10.8 \cdot 9 - 0.6 \cdot 9^2 = 48.6$ m
Thanks a lot!
 

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