Which Solution is Incorrect and Why?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a particle's motion along the x-axis, described by a position function. Participants are examining discrepancies between a solutions manual and a student's submission regarding the work done by the particle.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the validity of different equations for work done, questioning the application of the work-energy principle and the conditions under which certain equations are applicable.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the correctness of the student’s solution compared to the solutions manual. Some participants suggest that the student's approach may not be valid due to assumptions about force constancy, while others seek clarification on the implications of these assumptions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of using equations for work that may only hold under specific conditions, such as constant force, and are considering the mathematical correctness of both solutions presented.

misterpickle
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I'm a TA and there is an inconsistency in what the solutions manual states and what the students are turning in, but both seem correct.

The Latex code isn't working properly for the post, but it is easy to see what equations are used

Homework Statement


A particle of mass m moves along the x axis. Its position varies with time according to $x$=2t^3 - 4t^2 , where x is in meters and t is in seconds. Find

a. The velocity and acceleration of the particle as functions of t.

b. The power delivered to the particle as a function of t

c. the work done by the net force from t=0 $to$ t=t_{1}

Homework Equations


The first 2 parts are easy and the answers are given by
$v$=6t^2 - 8t $;$ $a$=12t - 8 $;$ $P$=power=8mt(9t^2 - 18t + 8)

The Attempt at a Solution



The problem is that both solutions are correct mathematically, but they are different. Therefor one must be wrong and I need someone to tell me which on, and WHY?

Solution manual
$w$=\int_0^t \! P \, dt<br /> $w$=\int_0^t \! 8m(9t^3 - 18t^2 + 8t) \, dt<br /> $w$=2mt^{2}(9t^2-24t+16)
Student Solution
$w$=F\Delta x=ma\Delta x = m(12t - 8)(2t^3 - 4t^2)
This becomes,
$w$=m(24t^4 - 64t^3 + 32t)
Which one of these is wrong, since the math is right on both of them and the equations are valid for power?
 
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The second equation (Work = force*distance moved) is only valid for constant forces, in fact you can derive it from the first equation by letting P = F*dx/dt for some constant F.
 
So the student solution is incorrect?
 
misterpickle said:
Student Solution
$w$=F\Delta x=ma\Delta x = m(12t - 8)(2t^3 - 4t^2)

misterpickle said:
So the student solution is incorrect?
Yes, it is incorrect. The correct equation is
W = F dx

Which, as marmoset said, equals F Δx only for a constant force.
 
misterpickle said:
So the student solution is incorrect?

students looks wrong to me
 

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