Rail gun with non-constant acceleration energy problem

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pat666
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I think i need to use energy methods for this because the acceleration is not constant..
trouble is I don't know the formula for the potential energy in cases like this.

Thanks for any help.
 
Attachments
  • Screenshot of a homework problem with a rail gun diagram: a bar on two parallel rails with a power supply and resistor, magnetic field into the page shown by crosses, and a current labeled I. Text lists field 2.6 T, rail spacing 45 cm, capacitor current 120 kA; Part A answer a = 4.0x10^5 m/s^2 marked correct; Part B asks bar speed at 2.85 m.
    PFMP.jpg
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F=BIL that's how i found the acceleration.. but i don't see how that helps with b??
 
how was this current produced in the first place? What kind of current are you dealing with?
 
I don't know what you mean? it was supplied by a cap if that helps?