Seemingly easy mechanics problem (constant acceleration)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a jet plane landing with an initial speed and a maximum constant deceleration. The original poster seeks to determine the minimum time required for the plane to come to rest using calculus, rather than standard kinematic equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the velocity function through integration of acceleration, expressing confusion over the resulting formula and its implications. Other participants question the integration process and suggest revisiting fundamental kinematic equations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the integration steps and the application of constant acceleration formulas. Some guidance has been provided regarding the correct formulation of the velocity function, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be a misunderstanding regarding the integration of constant acceleration and its application to the problem, as well as the relationship between acceleration and time in the context of kinematic equations.

Feodalherren
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Homework Statement


A jet plane comes in for a landing with a speed of
100 m/s, and its acceleration can have a maximum magnitude
of 5.00 m/s^2 as it comes to rest. (a) From the
instant the plane touches the runway, what is the minimum
time interval needed before it can come to rest?


Homework Equations


Kinematics I suppose, but I'm trying to solve it with just calculus.


The Attempt at a Solution



So my idea was that if the acceleration is constant at -5m/s^2 then I should be able to take the integral of this and get the velocity function. So what I end up with is

v(t) = - 5/2 (t^2) + 100

Solve for v(t) = 0 etc.

But the answer is wrong. It's supposed to be 20s.

Where is my logic flawed?
 
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Check where that power of 2 came from.

You should know a family of constant acceleration formulae, including
v = u + at
 
I made it up as I took the integral. I'm not sure what you're getting at here. What do you mean?
 
There are a few equations in mechanics that are linear and deal with constant acceleration.

V = u + at

is one of them
Where

U is initial velocity
V is final velocity
a is acceleration
t is time

If you rearrange the formula, you can work out the time taken.
 
With just calculus you just got wrong the formula of v. You have a= -2.5 . When you integrate that you have? not t^2 obviously...
 
That's the thing, I wasn't using the kinematic equations. It seems to me that I should be able to solve this using just calculus. My reasoning was that you can solve "gravity problems" that way. If you integrate -9.8t you get the velocity function for dropping something, -4.9t^2, correct?
Then why doesn't this work?

I integrated a= -5t not -2.5t^2.
 
Yes when you integrate a = dv/dt = -5 ! you get v = -5t + v0 (=100) not v= -(5/2)t +100. ;)
 
Feodalherren said:
I integrated a= -5t not -2.5t^2.
The acceleration is -5, not -5t. It's constant.
 
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Ohhh my gosh! Of course! Thank you so much Doc Al, you saved my day. That makes complete sense.

I lift my hat for you Sir!
 

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