Outward speed of salamander tongue

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the outward speed of a salamander's tongue at the end of its acceleration phase, focusing on the physics of projectile motion and acceleration. The problem involves analyzing a graph of acceleration versus time to determine the final speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the speed by finding the area under the acceleration-time graph for different intervals. Some participants question the accuracy of the calculations and the interpretation of the graph.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some expressing confidence in the original poster's calculations while others suggest potential issues with unit conversions. There is a mix of agreement and differing perspectives on the approach taken.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted issue regarding unit conversion from milliseconds to seconds, which may affect the final answer. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity in interpreting the provided graph.

rgold
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A salamander of the genus Hydromantes captures prey by launching its tongue as a projectile: The skeletal part of the tongue is shot forward, unfolding the rest of the tongue, until the outer portion lands on the prey, sticking to it. The figure shows the acceleration magnitude a versus time t for the acceleration phase of the launch in a typical situation. The indicated accelerations are a2 = 405m/s^2 and a1 = 120m/s^2. What is the outward speed of the tongue at the end of the acceleration phase?
http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/courses/crs7165/art/qb/qu/ch0/EAT_13904629146110_9951108919932922.gif
i found the area under each part so from 0-10 was 0
from 10-20 was .5x10x120=600
from 20-30 was (10x120)+(.5x10(405-120))=2625
and from 30-40 was .5x10x405=2025
i added all them together and got 5250m/s but i am not getting the answer right. can you help me?
 
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Attach figure please.
 
The link is asking me to log in. Take a picture with your camera and upload it.
 
here is the graph
 

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Your solution appears to be right to me.
 
k i guess it is just a computer glitch. thanks so much for you help!
 
You forgot to change your units from milli seconds to seconds. Your answer must be divided by 1000.