Momentum problem: object struck with stick

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a stationary object being struck by a stick, resulting in a force described by a polynomial function of time. Participants are tasked with determining the speed of the object after the impact, given specific parameters for the force function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss integrating the force to find impulse and subsequently using that to calculate velocity. There are questions about the correct handling of units and the order of operations in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the integration process and unit conversions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the importance of consistent units, particularly in relation to the time variable in the force equation.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about the conversion of time from milliseconds to seconds and how that affects the calculations, as well as the implications of using different units for the parameters in the force equation.

oneamp
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Homework Statement



A stationary 1.67 kg object is struck by a stick. The object experiencees a horizontal force given by F = at - bt^3, where t is the time in milliseconds from the instant the stick first contacts the object. if a = 1500 N/ms and b = 20 N / ms^3, what is the speed of the object just after it comes away from the stick (t = 2.74 ms)?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I integrated to come up with the impulse J_x. Then I added it to p_0 = 0. The integral solved at the limits of 0 to 0.00274 = 0.005631. I divided this by the mass 1.67 to get the velocity. This gave v = 0.003372 which is not right...

What did I do wrong?

Thanks
 
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I'm rusty but shouldn't you divide by the mass before integrating or doesn't that make a difference?

Newton says

Force = mass * acceleration
so
acceleration = force / mass

Then integrate to give velocity.
 
I'm integrating to get an impulse, then using it to get velocity from the momentum equation. The problem is about momentum.
 
oneamp said:
What did I do wrong?
Units. I suspect that you converted to seconds, when the equation was meant to be in ms.
 
I integrated with limits of 0 to 0.00274, so it's in seconds. So that result should be J_x, and dividing out mass should give velocity. I don't see where I could have messed up units, offhand.
 
oneamp said:
I integrated with limits of 0 to 0.00274, so it's in seconds.
Yes, but the t in the equation is in ms. Look at the units of the parameters a & b.

For you to use seconds you must first convert the equation to use seconds. (Or just stick to ms.)
 
Thank you.
 

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