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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving motion, specifically using kinematic equations to determine the final position of an object after a given time, with initial conditions provided. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the problem's solvability due to perceived missing information.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of kinematic equations and question the necessity of additional information, such as acceleration, to solve the problem. There is uncertainty about whether the problem can be solved without knowing the acceleration or if it assumes zero acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some express doubt about the completeness of the information provided, while others suggest that the lack of details makes it difficult to arrive at a definitive answer.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that participants believe the problem may be missing critical variables, and there is a mention of potential diagrams that could clarify the scenario. The original poster has received mixed responses regarding the complexity of the problem.

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+volt+(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+volt+(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+volt+(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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