Particle acceleration and velocity Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the acceleration of a particle defined as a function of its position, specifically a=(4s^2) m/s². Participants are attempting to determine the particle's velocity as a function of position, starting from given initial conditions. The conversation includes various approaches to integration and the application of dynamics principles.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in integrating the acceleration function and seeks step-by-step guidance.
  • Another participant suggests integrating the acceleration with respect to position and setting limits for the integration.
  • There is a request for clarification on the definition of acceleration and its relationship to velocity and position.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of understanding fundamental concepts in dynamics before tackling the problem.
  • A later reply introduces the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position, suggesting a method for integration involving limits.
  • Participants discuss the need for proper limits of integration when calculating velocity from acceleration.
  • There is a mention of previous mistakes in reading the problem, indicating the complexity of the task.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding about the integration process and the need to integrate only once to find velocity as a function of position.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the problem, with multiple competing views on how to integrate and apply the concepts of dynamics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific steps to find the velocity function.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions and potential misunderstandings about the definitions of acceleration and velocity, as well as the integration process. Some participants express confusion about the limits of integration and the correct application of dynamics principles.

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A particle is moving along a straight line such that its acceleration is defined as a=(4s^2)m/s^2, where s is in meters. If v=-100m/s when s=10m and t=0, determine the particles velocity as a function of position.

Now I'm taking the integral of a but when I plug in the other parts, it doesn't work out. I think I'm doing something wrong.

Someone please comment on how-to approach this problem step by step thanks!
 
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[tex]a(t)= \frac{d(s')}{dt} =4s^2[/tex]

Move over dt integrate, set the limits, and solve.
 
Can you explain a little further please?
 
Which part?

What dynamics book are you using? There should be a problem similar to this given somewhere as an example.
 
after moving over dt to integrate, how did you approach it from there
 
what do you mean? Show me some work please.
 
how can i post the work here?
 
Type out what you got and what you did.

You can use [tex]and [ / tex] tags to make it look nicer.[/tex]
 
integral 4s^2 = (4s^3)/3

s=10

4(10^3)/3 = 1333.33

1333.33/10 = 133.33 = particle velocity at x position
 
  • #10
Are you familiar with the definition of acceleration?

Which class is this HW for?
 
  • #11
It is for a dynamics class, I just want to get a head start on a set of problems that were given to me
 
  • #12
I think you need to review the basics of dynamics. What it means when they say acceleration, velocity, and position.

I think you need to solidify the fundamentals before doing this HW. You should know better that acceleration is the second derivative of position by now.
 
  • #13
so you can't help me?
 
  • #14
Sure, tell me what the definition of acceleration is, and look for your mistake.

I can point out mistakes, but I am not going to teach you fundamentals. :wink:
 
  • #15
can you solve it and I can find my mistake, or post how.

also acceleration is the rate at which a object increases/changes its velocity(speed)
 
  • #16
Ah, I am sorry. Its asking for velocity as a function of position. I was thinking you had to integrate twice.

What you need to do: set up your limits of integration.
 
  • #17
?
 
  • #18
Do you know what limits of integration are?
 
  • #19
yes integral from one value to another
 
  • #20
so what are your value you used?
 
  • #21
0 to 10....
 
  • #22
What happened to the limits on the integral of the velocity?
 
  • #23
-100x? that one?
 
  • #24
When integrating, you always have two limits. Two for position, two for velocity. What are the two limits for the integral of velocity?
 
  • #25
im confused man...
 
  • #26
[tex]\int^v_{-100}[/tex]

Remember, I said you must have an upper and lower limit of integration.
 
  • #27
can you just show me how you approac it please?
 
  • #28
Sure, give me a second. I made another mistake reading the problem. Sorry!
 
  • #29
ok thanks!
 
  • #30
Ok, it was tricky. Had to crack open my dynamics book from a few semesters ago!

Here is the trick:

[tex]V=\frac{ds}{dt}[/tex]

Also,

[tex]a=\frac{dv}{dt}[/tex]

If you solve each of these for [tex]\frac{1}{dt}[/tex] you will get:

a*ds=v*dv

Now set your limits of integration and replace your relation for acceleration -a

[tex]\int^s_{10} 4s^2 ds = \int^V_{-100}vdv[/tex]

Is this clear?
 
Last edited:

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