Returning to College After 12 Years: Can You Help Solve This Physics Problem?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around a physics problem involving motion with initial conditions of zero velocity and position over a time of 10 seconds. Participants express confusion about the lack of information regarding acceleration, which is crucial for solving the problem. Some believe the problem is unsolvable without additional details, while others suggest that the object may not have moved at all if acceleration is assumed to be zero. The need for clarification on whether a diagram or additional context is provided is also raised. Overall, the consensus is that the problem lacks sufficient information to determine the final position accurately.
sammy852
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Homework Statement


Given v0= 0 m/s, xo=0 m and t= 10s, use the equation below together to find Xf


Homework Equations


x=xo+vot+(1/2)at^2
vf^2=vo^2+2a(xf-xi)


The Attempt at a Solution


vf=at xf-1/2at^2 vf=2axf

so then,
plug in t=10 and vf=10a
xf=50a ...

I don't know, someone told me this is involvable and i should quit. While other people gave me three different answers. I am really complex...? PLease help me
 
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sammy852 said:

Homework Statement


Given v0= 0 m/s, xo=0 m and t= 10s, use the equation below together to find Xf


Homework Equations


x=xo+vot+(1/2)at^2
vf^2=vo^2+2a(xf-xi)


The Attempt at a Solution


vf=at xf-1/2at^2 vf=2axf

so then,
plug in t=10 and vf=10a
xf=50a ...

I don't know, someone told me this is involvable and i should quit. While other people gave me three different answers. I am really complex...? PLease help me

What happen at t=10s?
 
That is what i was trying to ask. The question is like that. I ask some people and they say it is missing a variable,.
 
So what I learn from this problem if that you start off at the origin (or wherever, it isn't important) without any velocity, and it asks you where you are 10 seconds later.

Without it giving you any information about what happens during those 10 seconds you can't solve the problem.

If anything, the object hasn't moved because the problem never mentions that it was accelerated at all.
But that is still dubious, I have never seen a question where you assume acceleration is 0 because of the fact it wasn't mentioned. I think that there isn't enough information here.
 
sammy852 said:

Homework Statement


Given v0= 0 m/s, xo=0 m and t= 10s, use the equation below together to find Xf


Homework Equations


x=xo+vot+(1/2)at^2
vf^2=vo^2+2a(xf-xi)


The Attempt at a Solution


vf=at xf-1/2at^2 vf=2axf

so then,
plug in t=10 and vf=10a
xf=50a ...

I don't know, someone told me this is involvable and i should quit. While other people gave me three different answers. I am really complex...? PLease help me

does it have a diagram accompanying the question like some sought of projectile?
 

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