Particle's Equation, Velocity and Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of a particle's path in the xy-plane, as well as determining its velocity and acceleration vectors at a specific time. The problem involves concepts from calculus, particularly derivatives and their applications in motion analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the organization of the position function and the application of derivatives to find velocity and acceleration. Questions arise regarding the correctness of derivative calculations and the treatment of exponential functions. There is also a focus on transforming the particle's position into a relationship between x and y, rather than a time-dependent representation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on reviewing differentiation rules and the laws of logarithms. There is acknowledgment of the need to express the particle's path as a function of x and y, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly applying differentiation rules and understanding the implications of representing the particle's path without time dependence. There is an emphasis on ensuring clarity in the mathematical representation of the problem.

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Homework Statement


r(t) is the position of a particle in the xy-plane at time t. Find an equation in x and y whose graph is the path of the particle. Then find the particle’s velocity and acceleration vectors at the given value of t.
Capture.PNG


Homework Equations


First derivative = velocity
(velocity=distance/time)
Second derivative = acceleration
(acceleration=velocity/time)

The Attempt at a Solution


To find the Equation, I first organize it into a set:
[ et, 2/9 e2t ]
Then I just plug in the value of t (ln3)
[ eln3, 2/9 e2(ln3) ]
I then reconstruct the original problem with the new values:
r(t) = eln3 i + 2/9 e2(ln3) j
r(ln3) = e1.0986 i + 2/9 e2.1972 j
then I change the i / j to x/y
r(ln3) = e1.0986 x + 2/9 e2.1972 y
-----------------------------

As for velocity and acceleration, so far I have figured it like this:
Velocity:
[ et, 2/9 e2t ]
[ te, 4/9 et ]
Velocity = tei + 4/9etj

Acceleration:
[ e, 4/9 te]
Acceleration = tei + 4/9 tej
Am I taking the derivative correctly? As far as I know, e remains as e, even after the derivative, right?

thanks in advance
 

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defaultusername said:

Homework Statement


r(t) is the position of a particle in the xy-plane at time t. Find an equation in x and y whose graph is the path of the particle. Then find the particle’s velocity and acceleration vectors at the given value of t.
View attachment 101452

Homework Equations


First derivative = velocity
(velocity=distance/time)
Second derivative = acceleration
(acceleration=velocity/time)

The Attempt at a Solution


To find the Equation, I first organize it into a set:
[ et, 2/9 e2t ]
Then I just plug in the value of t (ln3)
[ eln3, 2/9 e2(ln3) ]
I then reconstruct the original problem with the new values:
r(t) = eln3 i + 2/9 e2(ln3) j
r(ln3) = e1.0986 i + 2/9 e2.1972 j
then I change the i / j to x/y
r(ln3) = e1.0986 x + 2/9 e2.1972 y
-----------------------------

As for velocity and acceleration, so far I have figured it like this:
Velocity:
[ et, 2/9 e2t ]
[ te, 4/9 et ]
Velocity = tei + 4/9etj

Acceleration:
[ e, 4/9 te]
Acceleration = tei + 4/9 tej
Am I taking the derivative correctly? As far as I know, e remains as e, even after the derivative, right?

thanks in advance
For the derivatives of et, you should review the rules of differentiation for such functions and not neglect application of the chain rule.

http://www.themathpage.com/acalc/exponential.htm

Remember, et is not differentiated like xn.
 
defaultusername said:

Homework Statement


r(t) is the position of a particle in the xy-plane at time t. Find an equation in x and y whose graph is the path of the particle. Then find the particle’s velocity and acceleration vectors at the given value of t.
View attachment 101452

You have not done the second part, which says "Find an equation in x and y whose graph is the path of the particle". This means that instead of representing the particle's orbit as ##(x(t),y(t))## you should represent the curve of the orbit (not including "time" information) as an equation of the form ##y = F(x)## or ##x = G(y)## or ##H(x,y) = 0##, and you are to figure out the functions ##F## or ##G## or ##H##, as needed.
 
Got it! Thanks for your guys' help!
 

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