Terminal Velocity given Time at which velocity is .5Vt

AI Thread Summary
A 9.00 kg object falls through a viscous medium, experiencing a resistive force proportional to its velocity. The object reaches half its terminal speed in 5.93 seconds, leading to the determination of terminal speed using the equation v = mg/b(1-e^(-bt/m)). The calculations reveal that the terminal speed is approximately 83.84 m/s after correctly solving for the resistive constant b. The discussion also addresses the integration of velocity to find displacement over the first 5.93 seconds, emphasizing the importance of proper integration techniques. The participants successfully navigate the problem-solving process, reinforcing the need for careful calculation and understanding of calculus concepts.
xslc
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 9.00 kg object starting from rest falls through a viscous medium and experiences a resistive force R = -bv, where v is the velocity of the object. If the object reaches one-half its terminal speed in 5.93 s,
(a) determine the terminal speed.

Homework Equations



v=mg/b(1-e^-bt/m)

The Attempt at a Solution



Tried setting above equation equal to mg/2b and solving. It was wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Show your work in detail. You were right, the speed after 5.93 s is
mg/(2b) From this condition, you can find b.

ehild
 
ok, so:

v = mg/b(1-e^(-bt/m))=mg/(2b)
mg/b's cancel, so 1-e^(-5.93b/m)=.5
.5=e^-5.93b/9
9ln.5=-5.93b
-6.2383=-5.93b
b=1.052
vt = 88.2/b = 88.2/1.052=83.8403

and...i got it.

for some reason i was pluggin in 5.5 not 5.93, thanks for letting me know i was doing it right.
 
Trust in yourself and check your calculations:smile:

ehild
 
one more thing.

i got that, and i got part b, which asked for the time at which the speed is .75vt

i'm now stuck on part c, which says:

(c)How far has the object traveled in the first 5.93 s of motion?

I realize i need to integrate somehow, but I'm not sure exactly what to do...
 
You know calculus, don't you?
Think of the definition of velocity: it is the time derivative of displacement. Integrating the velocity with respect to time from zero to a given moment will give the displacement. Try.

ehild
 
got it. i was trying to do an indefinite integral and then plug in t, silly me, it was late last night haha.
 
Back
Top